SIXTH EDITION 





Class_ 

Book._ 

Copyright N° 


T?.N } izs 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT} 




















I 


MASSAGE AND THE ORIGINAL 
SWEDISH MOVEMENTS 

By KURRE W. OSTROM 

From the Royal University of Upsala , Sweden; formerly Instructor in Massage and 
Swedish Movements in the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania 
and in the Philadelphia Polyclinic. 

Sixth Edition, Revised and Enlarged. With 115 Illustrations. 
i2mo; 184 pages. Cloth, net $1.00. 

Written as a result of the author’s extensive experience in 
teaching in training schools, together with a large private prac¬ 
tice, this book will be found especially adapted for nurses’ use. 

“The success of the book, the fact that a sixth edition 
was necessary, is all that we need say in praise of the 

work.”— The Trained Nurse. 

“Details are given for massage of all portions of the 
body, and the illustrations make it easy to understand the 
directions.”— Medical Record, New York. 

“It furnishes the most recent methods, and is one of 
the most practical books devoted to this subject.”— Amer¬ 
ican Medicine. 

“There are many original, practical points throughout 
the book, and the style is concise and clear. It should 
prove of value to the physician who desires to study me- 
chanotherapeutics and the treatment indicated, the nurse 
who needs a text-book, and the masseur who desires to 
keep abreast of the latest developments of the subject.”— 
Dietetic and Hygienic Gazette. 

P. Blakiston’s Son & Co., Publishers, Philadelphia 



“THE POCKET” 
PRONOUNCING MEDICAL DICTIONARY 

By GEORGE M. GOULD, A. M., M. D. 

30,000 Medical Words. Fifth Edition 

Elaborate Tables of the Arteries, Muscles, Nerves, Bacilli, 
Bacteria, Micrococci, Spirilla, Thermometric Scales, Weights 
and Measures, etc.; Dose List for Physicians and Veterinarians 
in both English and Metric Systems; Complete Table of 
Eponymic Terms, etc. 

Thin 641110; 838 pages. Handsomely bound in Full Limp Leather, 
with Gilt Edges and Rounded Corners, $1.00; 

Thumb Indexed, $1.25, net. 

This is an extremely practical little book, and is built upon 
the same careful plan as Dr. Gould’s larger works. It offers 
the maximum amount of information in a minimum of space, 
arranged for quick reference and study. The system of pro¬ 
nunciation is clear, simple and easily understood. The Pocket 
Dictionary is one of the most valued, as it is one of the best 
known and most used books among all published for nurses and 
medical students. Over 268,000 copies of Dr. Gould’s Dic¬ 
tionaries—including “The Pocket”—have been sold. 

“Dr. Gould’s name is as much a classic in medical 
lexicography as that of Samuel Johnson in the domain 
of the ordinary dictionary .”—British Medical Journal . 

“It is neat, compact, and cannot fail to be of practical 
value .”—Boston Medical and Surgical Journal. 

P. BLAKISTON’S SON 8 CO., PiMstas, PIMMii 



“ It is certain that if every medical man were to always carry this 
little ‘pocket-book* with him he would never have an empty one.” 


“POCKET CYCLOPEDIA OF MEDICINE” 

GEORGE M. GOULD, A. M„ M. D. 

Edited by 

WALTER L. PYLE, A. M., M. D. 

Nearly 600 pages, Bound in Full Limp Leather, Rounded 
Corners, Gilt Edges, $1.00; Thumb Indexed, $1.25, net. 

Uniform with Gould’s “Pocket” 

Pronouncing Medical Lexicon 

THIS unique little book will prove of the greatest use not only 
to physicians and students and nurses, but to all interested 
in medical matters. It supplies much information which will 
prove of direct advantage, and cannot fail to be helpful in the 
highest degree. The articles are concise but thorough, and ar¬ 
ranged in shape for quick reference. In no other book can be 
found so much exact detailed knowledge so conveniently classi¬ 
fied, so evenly distributed, so methodically grouped. It is 
multum in parvo. 

“This neat little volume is a pocket abridgment of the 
standard ‘Cyclopedia of Medicine and Surgery’ edited by the 
same men with the collaboration of seventy-four medical 
authorities. As the larger parent work is a condensation of 
the ‘accumulated medical knowledge of the day,* so this 
latest offspring is a condensed condensation. Herein may 
be found an adequate description of all medical and surgical 
disorders, not excepting the specialties, including their defi¬ 
nitions, etiology, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment in 
most cases. It is marvelous how much knowledge can be 
contained in so small a compass .”—Northwest Medicine. 

P. BUKISTON’S SON S CO., Publishers, Philadelphia 



Second Edition, {Revised 


MANUAL OF 
FEVER NURSING 


BY 


REYNOLD WEBB WILCOX, M. D., LL. D. 


Professor of Medicine, New York Post-Graduate Medical School 
and Hospital; Visiting Physician, St. Mark's Hospital, etc. 

With a Series of Ten Clinical Charts (showing the typical temper¬ 
ature curves of the various fevers), and other Illustrations. 

12mo; 236 pages. Cloth, postage prepaid, $1.00 net. 

HIS volume contains the lectures on Fever Nursing delivered 



A in substance to the nurses of St. Mark’s Hospital during the 
season of i907-’o8. The subject has been very completely and 
comprehensively treated, and in full accordance with the present 
state of practice. 


Condensed Synopsis of Contents: 


Introduction: Definition of Fever, Causes, Physiology, Varieties, Lysis, Crisis, 
Recrudescence, Relapse, Temperature, Symptoms. Diagnosis: Thermometry. Gen¬ 
eral Treatment: Diet; Hydrotherapy. General Directions: Disinfection. Infections 
of Continued Type, and those with Local Manifestations. Infections of Intermittent 
Type. Exanthemata. Thermic Fever. Index. 

“Just the thing with which to brush up one’s memory and keep one 
in touch with the times.”—American Journal of Nursing. 

“ A practical little volume.”—The Trained Nurse. 

“ The subject of this book is much more germane to the every-day 
legitimate duties of the nurse than those of many books for nurses that 
have been brought out within recent years. The author is not only a thera¬ 
peutist of note, but also a trained writer; hence he treats the subject in 
the best possible way.”—New York Medical Journal. 


P. BLAKISTOn SOB S CO., Publishers, PhUadelph's 




MATERIA MEDICA 

FOR NURSES 


GROFF 



BUNDY’S “ANATOMY 
FOR NURSES” 

CLOTH, $1.75 

44 1 N this well constructed book 
the trained nurse will find 
all that is essential for her to 
know of the anatomy of the 
human body. The descriptions 
are clear and concise, and the 
work is judiciously illustrated 
with upward of 200 well execu¬ 
ted pictures, a number of them 
in colors. The book is well 
conceived and well executed 
and will be found most useful to 
those for whom it is intended.” 

—Medical Record, New York 









MATERIA MEDICA 

FOR NURSES 


With an Epitome of Official Drugs, Preparations and Chem¬ 
icals, giving their Medicinal Uses and Doses; and 
Questions for Self-Examination 


BY 

JOHN E. GROFF, Ph. G. 

APOTHECARY IN THE RHODE ISLAND HOSPITAL; PROFESSOR OF MATERIA MEDICA 
IN THE RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE OF PHARMACY. 

SIXTH REVISED EDITION 
WITH AN APPENDIX ON SOLUTIONS 

Rearranged by 

LUCY C. AYERS 

SUPERINTENDENT OP NURSES TRAINING SCHOOL, RHODE ISLAND HOSPITAL. 

Sections on Therapeutics Rewritten by 
HERMAN C. PITTS, M. D. 

GYNECOLOGICAL SURGEON, RHODE ISLAND HOSPITAL. 

0 A 

o o * 

15 ■> 

t> *> > 

PHILADELPHIA 

P. BLAKISTON’S SON & CO. 

1012 WALNUT STREET 

1911 



Copyright, 1911, by P. Blakiston’s Son & Co. 

First Edition Published July, 1898. 
Second Edition Published January, 1903. 

Reprinted April, i 9 ° 3 * 

Third Edition Published November, 1905. 
Reprinted August, 1906, March and July, 1907 
Fourth Edition Published April, 1908. 

Reprinted October, 1908. 

Fifth Edition Published October, 1909. 
Reprinted March, 1910. 

Sixth Edition Published June, 1911. 

»» 

■.« 


«< ■«. 



Printed, by 
The Maple Press 
York, Pa. 





PREFACE TO SIXTH EDITION. 


In this sixth edition, several drugs have been added to the 
chapters in which they belong. These, "with some corrections and 
alterations in the text, conform to the plans of both the author 
and his publishers, to keep the book up to date in all respects, and 
to make it one of the necessary elements in the complex composi¬ 
tion of a trained nurse’s education. 

Friendly criticism is not so very common; but it has come 
within our experience, and we take the occasion to thank several 
friends for directing our attention to errors and omissions. 

John E. Groff, Ph. G. 


PREFACE TO FOURTH EDITION. 


In this fourth edition, the author has endeavored, with the 
assistance of his collaborators, to present the subject so as to 
meet the needs of both the nurse in training, and the graduated 
nurse; to offer a text-book, for use in the school, and at the same 
time a book for reference after graduation. 

The arrangement of subjects is according to the ideas of Miss 
L. C. Ayers, Superintendent of Nurses Training School, Rhode 
Island Hospital, and is with reference to the needs of the nurse 
from the time she enters a training school until she graduates. 

The chapters relating to weights and measures, official prepa¬ 
rations, and chemistry are intended for the probationary term; 
therapeutics for the senior term. 

In previous editions, the chapters on therapeutics were col¬ 
lated by the author, from recognized authorities; but believing 
the trained and experienced physician to be the only one capable 
of presenting that subject as it should be presented, it was placed 
in the hands of Dr. H. C. Pitts, one of the Surgeons to the Rhode 
Island Hospital who has rewritten it, and he has done so, with 
especial reference to the needs of the nurse. 

In the first edition there was an epitome of the Pharmaco¬ 
poeia. It was omitted in the succeeding editions. But at the 
suggestion of Miss Ayers, who regards it as valuable for refer¬ 
ence, it has been made to include the subjects of both the seventh 
and eighth revisions of the Pharmacopoeia and replaced at the 
end of the volume. 

In rewriting and rearranging the book, the whole text has 
been carefully read and revised and the entire subject, being more 
clearly stated and more logically arranged, will, it is hoped, be 
even more easily mastered than it has been before. 

t John E. Groff, Ph. G. 


v 





TO MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER, 

JOINT SHARERS 
IN ALL MY 

INTERESTS, EXPERIENCES, HOPES, JOYS AND SORROWS, 

THIS VOLUME IS 
AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED. 


VI 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER I. 

Introductory ... i 

Materia medica defined. 

CHAPTER II. 

Weights and Measures . 3 


Apothecaries’ Weight, 3—Fluid Measure, 3—Drop and Minims, 

4—Approximates to Household Measures, 5 —The Use of the 
Measuring Glass, 5. 

CHAPTER III. 

The Metric System of Weight and Measure. 7 

Multiples and Subdivisions of Metric System, 7 —Origin of the 
Litre and Cubic Centimeter, 8—Origin of the Gram, 8— 
Manner of Reading the Figures, 9—Approximates to House¬ 
hold and Apothecaries’ Liquid Measure, 10— Relative Values 
of Grains and Milligrams, 10. 

CHAPTER IV. 

Derivation of Drugs.12 

List of Official Roots, 10—Of Tubers, 12—Of Rhizomes, 13—Of 
Woods and Barks, 13—Of Leaves, Herbs, Flowers and Fruits, 

14—Of Seeds, of Unclassified Parts of Plants and Dried 
Extracts and Juices, 15—Of Saccharine Substances, Gums, 
Gum Resins, Resins, Balsams, Oleo-resins, Camphors, Fixed 
Oils, Fats and Waxes, 16—Drugs of Animal Origin, 17. 

CHAPTER V. 

Aqueous Preparations.18 

Waters Defined, 18—Class One, 18—Class Two, 18—Class 
Three, 19—Distillation Described, 19—Solutions, Defined,19— 

List of, 20—Syrups Defined, 20—List of, 21—Honeys and 
Mucilages, Defined, 21—Mixtures Defined and List of, 22— 
Emulsions Defined and List of, 22—Glycerites Defined and 
List of, 23—Infusions Defined and List of, 23—Decoctions 

and Liniments Defined, 23—Oleates Defined and List of, 24. 

• • 

Vll 








CONTENTS. 


• • ♦ 
Vlll 


CHAPTER VI. 

Alcoholic Preparations.. -. .•*.'•** 2 5 

Spirits Defined, with List, 25—Elixirs Defined, with List, 25 
Collodions Defined, with List, 26—Tinctures Defined, with 
List, 26—Maceration, Solution and Percolation Defined, 26 
—Tinctures, List of, 27—Wines Defined, with List, 28— 
Fluidextracts Defined, 28—Fluidextracts, List of, 29. 


CHAPTER VII. 

Miscellaneous Preparations .. 31 

Oleo-resins, Vinegars and Extracts, Defined, with Lists, 31— 
Resins, Powders, Triturations and Tablets, Defined, with 
Lists of, 32—Confections, Pills, Cerates, Ointments and 
Plasters, Defined, with Lists of, 33—Suppositories, Cataplasms, 
Granular Effervescing Salts, Defined, with List, 34. 


CHAPTER VIII. 

Dosage.35 

Division of Drugs into Three Classes, 35—Strength of Prepara¬ 
tions with Rules for Finding their Relative Drug Value, 36 

CHAPTER IX. 

Chemistry.38 

Chemistry and Element Defined, 38—Chemical Combination 
Explained, 38—List of Official Elements, 39—Oxygen, Hydro¬ 
gen, 39—Nitrogen, Salts, Acids and List of Common Acids, 40 
—Salts of the Alkali Metals Defined and Potassium, 41— 
Ammonia, Lithium, List of Potassium and Sodium Salts, 42— 
Lists of Ammonium, Lithium and Calcium Salts, 43—List 
of Strontium, Magnesium, Cerium, Zinc, Aluminum, and 
Lead Salts, 44—List of Silver, Copper, Bismuth, Manganese, 

Iron and Gold Salts, 45—List of Mercury, Antimony and 
Arsenic Salts, 46. 


CHAPTER X. 

Organic Chemistry. 47 

Organic Chemistry and Destructive Distillation Defined, 47— 
Products of Destructive Distillation, 47, 48 and 49—Products 
of Fermentation, 49 and 50—Volatile and Fixed Oils, Fats, 
Soaps and Glycerin, 51—Glucosides and Alkaloids, 52. 


CHAPTER XI. 

Alteratives. 

Iodine, Potassium and Sodium Iodide, 53—Mercury, 54— 
Arsenic, 55—Gold, Cod-liver Oil and Colchicum, 56—Ichthyol 
57 - 


53 








CONTENTS. ix 

CHAPTER XII. 

Anesthetics. 58 

Cocoa, Cocaine, 38—Phenol, 59—Cold, Ethyl Chloride, Ether, 

60—Chloroform, Nitrous Oxide, 61. 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Ant-acids.63 

Sodium Bicarbonate, Lime Water, 63—Ammonium, 64 —• 
Magnesium Oxide, 65. 

Anthelmintics.65 

Santonin, Chenopodium, 65—Spigelia, Pepo, Aspidium, 66— 
Pomegranate, Turpentine, 67—Quassia, Tannin, 68. 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Antiseptics.70 

Corrosive Sublimate, 70—Creolin, Lysol, 71—Cresol, Alcohol, 
Hydrogen Dioxide, 72—Potassium Permanganate, Urotro- 

P in > 73 - 

Antiperiodics.74 

Cinchona, 74—Quinine, 74—Arsenic, Eucalyptus, 75. 

CHAPTER XV. 

Antipyretics.77 

Antipyrin, Acetanilid, 77—Phenacetin, Salicylic Acid, 78— 
Quinine, Cold, 79. 

CHAPTER XVI. 

Antispasmodics.80 

Chloral, Acute Poisoning by, 80—Bromides, Camphor, 81— 
Valerian, Cimicifuga, 82—Opium, Morphine, Codeine, 83— 
Poisoning by Opium, 84—Hoffman’s Anodyne, Heat, Hen¬ 
bane, Belladonna, 85. 

CHAPTER XVII. 

Astringents.87 

Cold, Quercus, Nut-gall, Tannic Acid, Kino, Krameria, 87— 
Hsematoxylon, Rhus Glabra, Geranium, Gambir, 88—Alum, 
Bismuth Salts, 89—Copper Salts, Lead Salts, 90—Zinc Salts, 

91—Silver Salts, 92. 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

Cardiac Depressants. 93 

Aconite, Acute Poisoning by, Veratrum, 93—Antimony, 94— 
Hydrocyanic Acid, 95. 

Cardiac Stimulants. 95 

Ammonia, Alcohol, Camphor, 95—Nitroglycerin, Ether, Amyl 
Nitrite, 96. 

Cardiac Tonics.96 

Digitalis, Caffeine, 97—Strophanthus, Strychnine, 98—Spar¬ 
teine, Convaliaria, 99. 













X 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER XIX. 

Cathartics.. .. ..»••••••• 

Sulphur, ioo—Fig, Purging Cassia, Castor Oil, Tamarind, 

ror—Prune, Manna, Olive Oil, Magnesium Oxide and Aloes, 
102—Cascara, Rhubarb, 103—Senna, Buckthorn, 104 Ox¬ 
gall, Croton Oil, Colocynth, 105—Leptandra, Podophyllum, 
Jalap, 106—Scammony, Gamboge, Elaterium, 107—Calomel, 
Rochelle Salt, Glauber’s Salt, Sodium Phosphate, Epsom 
Salt, Magnesium Carbonate, 108. 

CHAPTER XX. 

Carminatives. # . 

Anise, Ginger, no—Peppermint, Spearmint, in. 

Digestants. • .. 

Pepsin, in—Pancreatin, Hydrochloric Acid, in—Malt, Pap- 

oid, 113. 

CHAPTER XXI. 


Diuretics. .. 114 

Water, Broom, Buchu, 114—Uva Ursi, Oil of Juniper, Pareira, 

113—Lithium, Potassium Acetate, Citrate and Bitartrate, 116. 

Diaphoretics. II 7 

Pilocarpus, Spirit of Nitre, Heat, 117. 

CHAPTER XXII. 


Disinfectants.119 

Formaldehyd, Sulphurous Acid, Phenol, 119—Corrosive Sub¬ 
limate, Chloride of Lime, Zinc Chloride, Heat, 120. 

CHAPTER XXIII. 


Demulcents.121 

Egg Albumin, Barley Water, Elm, Flaxseed, 121—Tragacanth, 
Acacia, Gelatin, Irish Moss, 122. 

Emollients.123 


Cocoa Butter, Lanolin, Oil of Almond, Cotton Seed Oil, 123— 
Glycerin, Lard, Spermaceti, Petrolatum, 124—Poultices, 125. 

CHAPTER XXIV. 


Epispastics.126 

Cantharides, 126. 

Escharotics.126 


Nitric Acid, Sulphuric Acid, Chromic Acid, 127—Glacial Acetic 
Acid, Mercuric Nitrate, Potassium Hydroxide, 128—Sodium 
Hydroxide, Alum, 129. 

CHAPTER XXV. 

Emetics.130 

Apomorphine, Mustard, Ipecac, 130. 













CONTENTS. Xi 

Emmenagogues.131 

Manganese Dioxide, Myrrh, 131—Savin, 132. 

Expectorants.132 

Ammonium Chloride, 132—Ammonium Carbonate, Creosote, 
Terpine Hydrate, 133—Squill, Senega, Eucalyptus, 134— 

Tar, Grindelia, 135. 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

Hypnotics.137 

Trional, Sulphonal, Hyoscine, 137—Paraldehyd, Chloralamide, 
Henbane, 138. 

Intestinal Antiseptics .138 

Beta Naphthol, 138—Salol, Thymol, Sodium and Zinc Sulpho- 
carbolate, 139. 

Oxytocics.140 

Ergot, 140—Hydrastis, Cotton Root, 141. 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

Parasiticides.142 

Chrysarobin, Pyrogallic Acid, 142—Larkspur, 143. 

Rubefacients.143 

Capsicum, 143—Mustard, 144. 

Stomachics.144 

Gentian, 144—Cardamom, Calumba, 145—Nux Vomica, Dande¬ 
lion, Virginia Snakeroot, 146—Wild Cherry, 147. 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

Tonics .148 

Iron Salts, 148—Hypophosphites, 150. 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

Heat and Specific Gravity .152 

Thermometers Described, 152—Specific Gravity Defined, 154. 

CHAPTER XXX. 

Toxicology.156 

Poisons, Defined, 156—Classes, 156—Antidotes, 157—List of 
Poisons, 158. 

Epitome .161 to 212 

Appendix.213 

Index .215 to 223 





















Materia Medica 


For Nurses 


CHAPTER I. 

INTRODUCTORY. 

Materia Medica is that branch of the study of medicine 
which treats of the substances and means used in curing diseases. 

The nurse must, in order to afford the intelligent aid to the 
physician which is expected of her, possess some knowledge 
of drugs, their preparations and doses, the chief purposes for 
which they are used and their prominent physiological action. 

As she is required to do considerable measuring in the prac¬ 
tice of her profession, she should be familiar with the systems 
of weight and measure, now in use, and be able, if called upon 
to do so, to convert one system into the other. She should 
know the meaning of therapeutic terms and the poisons, their 
poisonous symptoms and antidotes. 

The following pages, thoroughly revised and carefully re¬ 
written, have been arranged to enable the nurse to acquire this 


i 



2 


MATERIA MEDICA EOR NURSES. 


knowledge a little more easily than she could from the larger 
works upon the same subject. Its accomplishment requires 
close application and much memorizing. But as the pro¬ 
fession requires women of a high order of intelligence, it is 
believed they will find no insurmountable difficulties in master¬ 
ing the subject of materia medica, as it is put forth in these 
pages. 


CHAPTER II. 

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 

There are several systems of both liquid and solid measure, 
in use. 

There are at present two systems in use for weighing med¬ 
icines, viz.: the avoirdupois and the apothecaries weight. 

The avoirdupois weight is used by all buyers and sellers. 

The apothecaries weight is used solely in weighing drugs for 
mixing for medicinal use. 

The unit of both systems is the grain, represented by the 
sign gr., which is the abbreviated word. The nurse, in com¬ 
mon with all people, is familiar with the ounce, pound and 
fractional parts of the pound of the avoirdupois weight, and it 
needs no comment. 

The apothecaries weight is not so familiar and will be con¬ 
sidered first. 

The first multiple above the grain is the scruple. 

The scruple ( 3 ) weighs twenty grains and the sign for it is 
an arbitrary one. 

The dram ( 5 ) weighs sixty grains. 

The ounce ( 3 ) weighs 480 grains. 

The scruple, weighing 20 grains, is J the weight of the dram 
and ^4 the weight of the ounce. The dram, weighing 60 grains, 
is J the weight of the ounce. 

The table therefore is: 

20 gr. make one scruple (3). 

3 scruples make one dram ( 3)- 
8 drams make one ounce ( o)- 

The Roman numerals are commonly used to designate the 

3 


4 


MATERIA MED1CA FOR NURSES. 


number of gr., 3 or 3 to be used, and they follow the signs, 
thus: gr.i, 0ii, 3hi, 3iv. 

The abbreviation f placed before the signs 3 and 3 indicate 
that fluid drams and fluid ounces are to be measured , not 
weighed. 

Fluid measure: 

The minim or standardized drop is the unit of the liquid 
measure, the sign being rrp 

Next higher comes the fluid dram (f 3 ) of 6o minims. 

Next the fluid ounce (f 3 ) of 8 fluid drams or 480 minims. 

(Although the gill is not a part of this system, it is some¬ 
times used and measures four fluid ounces.) 

The pint, of 16 fluid ounces, is represented by the sign O, 
standing for octavus or J, in allusion to the fact that a pint is 
J of a gallon. 

The quart, measuring two pints or 32 fluid ounces, repre¬ 
sented by the sign qt., the abbreviated Latin word quartuus 
meaning the quarter part of a gallon. The gallon, measuring 
four quarts or eight pints, or 128 fluid ounces. The sign cong., 
being the abbreviated Latin word congius, meaning gallon. 

It should be borne in mind that drops and minims are not 
the same. Drops vary according to the shape and nature of 
the surface of the container from which they are dropped. A 
drop of water is smaller than a drop of molasses, and larger 
than a drop of ether. A minim is measured and no matter 
what the liquid may be or the vessel from which it is poured, the 
size of the minim is the same. 

To illustrate: 


60 drops of water will measure.60 rr[ 

50 drops of syrup of acacia will measure.60 rq 

250 drops of chloroform will measure.60 rrp 


As a rule, where drops must be used, as in the absence of a 
minim measuring glass the following table may be used. 





WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 


5 


Aqueous fluids.i drop = i minim. 

Alcoholic fluids .2 “ =1 minim. 

Chloroform or ether.4 “ = 1 minim. 

Or, to put more sharply, 

Aqueous fluids.60 drops = 60 minims. 

Alcoholic fluids .120 “ =60 minims. 

Chloroform, or ether.240 “ = 60 minims. 

APPROXIMATE MEASURES. 

The commonly used household measures are: 


One teaspoonful . . equals about f oi. 

One dessertspoonful . “ 

U 

f Oil. 

One tablespoonful . . “ 

a 

f oiv. 

One wine-glassful . . “ 

a 

f oii. 

One teacupful . . . “ 

u 

f Siv. 

One tumblerful ... “ 

u 

f 0 viii. 


They must of necessity vary greatly and should not be used 
except under stress of circumstances. A good graduated glass 
measuring f oh and another measuring i2onq should form a 
part of every nurse’s equipment. 

The use of the measuring glass : While measuring medicine, 
the nurse should never allow herself to be disturbed, and her 
medicines should be carefully and accurately measured. The 
glass should always be carefully washed and wiped immediately 
after using. 

On all properly made graduates, the lines marking the meas¬ 
urements of fluid drams and fluid ounces, run entirely around 
the glass. In using the glass, bring it to the level of the eye, 
and slowly pour in the fluid to be measured, until the surface of 
it is even with the line all around the glass. When you are 
about to measure a dose of medicine, look for your bottle, read 
its label and then reach for it. As you raise the glass to your 
eye, look at the label on the bottle again. Measure the med¬ 
icine and as you return the bottle to its place, again read the 
label. Get into the habit of doing this and the chances of error 








6 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


will be greatly lessened. If in measuring a medicine you get 
too much in the glass, measure it over again. And never let 
a mistake remain uncorrected or unreported. 


QUESTIONS. 

What are the names of the weights used in the apothecary table ? 

If a dram of Dover’s Powder is divided into 12 powders, how many grains 
will there be in each powder? 

How many iorq doses in f oij? 

Twelve powders, containing a scruple and a half of Sodium Bicarbonate 
in each powder, will require how many drams of Sod. Bicarb. ? 

How many teaspoonfuls in a tumblerful? 

How many f 5 in 16 f o ? 

How many tablespoonful doses in a six ounce mixture ? 

In four fluid ounces, how many teaspoonfuls? 

In 32 drams how many dessertspoonfuls? 

What household measure would you use to measure f 0 j ? f oij ? Oj ? 


CHAPTER III. 

THE FRENCH OR METRIC SYSTEM OF WEIGHT AND 

MEASURE. 

The unit of this system is the forty-millionth part of the 
earth’s polar circumference. It approaches very closely in 
length our common yard measure and is called the metre from 
metron , a Greek word meaning measure. 

The metre is divided into fractional lengths of tenths, hund¬ 
redths and thousandths. 

The tenth of a metre is called the deci- metre; the prefix deci 
meaning T Y 

The hundredth of a metre is called the centi- metre; the 
prefix centi meaning yyy. 

The thousandth of a metre is called the milli- metre; the 
prefix milli meaning 

If i of a metre is one decimetre, then ten decimetres must 
make one metre. 

One one-hundredth of a metre being one centimetre, then ioo 
centimetres must make one metre. 

One one-thousandth of a metre being one millimetre, 1,000 
millimetres must make one metre. 

The terms expressive of the multiples of the metric system 
are: Deka, Hecto, Kilo, and Myria. 

Ten metres make one Dekametre; the prefix Deka meaning 
ten. 

One hundred metres make one Hectometre; the prefix Hecto 
meaning one hundred. 

One thousand metres make one Kilometre; the prefix Kilo 
meaning one thousand. 


7 


8 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


Ten thousand metres make one Myriametre; the prefix 
Myria meaning ten thousand. 

It is seen that the measurements, both subdivisions and 
multiples, decrease and increase by tens. 

From the measure of length, the metre, all other measures 
of capacity, weight and surface are obtained. 

The origin of the unit of liquid measure may be explained 
thus: 

A hollow cube is constructed yy of a metre or one decimetre 
in all of its dimensions of length, breadth and depth. This 
vessel is the unit of liquid measure and is called the cubic deci¬ 
metre or more commonly the litre. 

This measure is about equivalent to one quart and is too 
large to be convenient in measuring medicines. While we 
find use for pints, quarts and gallons in preparing medicines 
and will in the same way make use of litres, in practice, for 
measuring medicines we make use of the minim, the fluid dram 
and the fluid ounce. In a similar way we need a measure in the 
metric system, smaller than the litre. Therefore, in place 
of the cubic deci -metre or litre, we construct a hollow cube T yy 
of a metre or one centi- metre, in all of its dimensions of length, 
breadth and depth and call it the cubic centimetre, representing 
it by the abbreviated sign C.c. 

The unit of weight is called the gram. Its origin may be 
thus explained. A cubic centimetre vessel, when filled with 
water weighs one gram. It is represented by the sign Gm. 

To sum up the units of the several forms of measurement, 
of length, capacity and weight, we have the metre, the cubic 
centimetre and the gram. The metre being the measure of 
length; the cubic centimetre the measure for liquids and the 
gram the measure of weight. 

The prefixes used in signifying the subdivisions and multiples 
of the measures of capacity and weight are just the same as those 


THE FRENCH SYSTEM OF WEIGHT AND MEASURE. 


9 


used in the measure of length. We say millimetre, centi¬ 
metre, decimetre, dekametre, hectometre and kilometre. So 
we say milli -litre, deka -litre, centi -gram, hecto -gram, etc. 

The number of prefixes is rather confusing to beginners. 
Fortunately they are not all in common use. Officially, that is in 
the United States Pharmacopoeia, the terms gram and milli¬ 
gram and the term cubic centimetre are the only ones used and 
will be the only ones used throughout this work. The follow¬ 
ing diagram may serve to show how the figures are placed, rela¬ 
tively to the terms used and also how they may be and how they 
usually are read: 


o 

o 

o 

o' 


o 

o 

o 


o 

o 


HS 


|o 

Ho 

M 



i h d i nun 

L i 


Myria- 

Kilo- 

Hecto- 

Deka- 

Gram 

1 

. 

0 

<u 

T 3 

centi- 

milli- 


M 

l K 

H 

D 

Gm 

d 

C 

m 


X 

X 

X 

X 


X 

X 


8 

7 

6 

5 

4 

3 

2 

1 


These figures may be read as 87.654 gm. and 321 milligrams. 
All the other prefixes being discarded as indicated by the X 
marks. The proper method of writing in the metric system, is 
that of the Pharmacopoeia, that being our standard work. In 
our old system the signs precede the figures and the figures are 
the Roman numerals. Thus: 


Magnesium sulphate,. 5 i- 

Spirit of peppermint,. rn X- 

Water,.f o ii- 


In the metric system the figures precede the sign and the 
figures are the commonly used Arabic numerals. Thus: 


Magnesium sulphate,.30 Gm. 

Spirit of peppermint,.0.600 C.c. 

Water,.30 C.c. 




















IO 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


As the metric system of weight and measure will eventually 
come into universal use and as there are certain points at which 
the new and the old will come in contact, it becomes necessary 
to know their approximate relative values. They are as follows: 


Reversing: 


500 C.c. 

in place of 

one pint. 

500 Gm. 

ii 

ii ii 

one pound. 

30 C.c. 

ii 

ii ii 

one fluid ounce. 

30 Gm. 

n 

ii ii 

one ounce weight. 

4 C.c. 

ii 

ii ii 

one fluid dram. 

4 Gm. 

ii 

ii ii 

one dram weight. 

1 C.c. 

ii 

ii ii 

15 minims. 

1 Gm. 

ii 

n ii 

15 grains. 

Oi 

in 

place of 500 C.c. 

1 lb. 

u 

ii ii 

500 Gm. 

f Si 

n 

ii ii 

30 C.c. 

5 i 

a 

n ii 

30 Gm. 

f 3 i 

it 

a n 

4 C.c. 

5 i 

ii 

n n 

4 Gm. 

TT1XV 

ii 

a n 

1 C.c. 

Grs. xv “ 

u n 

1 Gm. 


The approximates to the household measures: 


f 5 i 

or 

one 

teaspoonful, 

or 

4 C.c. 

f 5 ii 

a 

a 

dessertspoonful, 

or 

8 C.c. 

f 5 iv 

a 

n 

tablespoonful, 

or 

16 C.c. 

f 5 ii 

n 

a 

wine-glassful, 

or 

60 C.c. 

f 5 iv 

n 

n 

cupful, 

or 

120 C.c. 

f 5 viii 

n 

a 

tumblerful, 

or 240 C.c. 


The approximate equivalents of the fractional parts of the 
grain need give no trouble if the equivalent of one grain be 
memorized. 

One grain is about 0.065 Gm. of a gram or 65 milli¬ 

grams), or, 0.065 Gm. is about 1 grain. 

Sixty-five milligrams being one grain, then half a grain will 
be half that number, or in round numbers 33 milligrams, 
0.033 Gm. ^ 


THE FRENCH SYSTEM OF WEIGHT AND MEASURE. 


II 


\ gr. is \ of 0.065 Gm. or 0.016 Gm. 

I gr. “ I “ 0.065 Gm. “ 0.008 Gm. 

tq gr. “ 3V “ 0.065 Gm. “ 0.002 Gm. 

¥0 g r - “ At “ 0.065 Gm. “ 0.001 Gm. 

$ gr. “ $ “ 0.065 Gm. “ 0.020 Gm. 


Reversing: 

0.001 Gm. is 35 of 0.065 Gm. and therefore Ar gr. 

0.012 Gm. “ ^ “ 0.065 Gm. “ “ j gr. 

0.020 Gm. “ | “ 0.065 Gm. “ “ ^ gr. 

Familiarity with and the ability to make use of, the metric 

system, comes, with the majority of people at least, only from 
enforced practice. And when physicians begin to write their 
prescriptions in that system and bottles and other packages are 
labeled so, it will be mastered because it must be. 

QUESTIONS. 

What is the unit of the metric system and what was it derived from ? 

What are the meaning of deci, centi, milli, Deka, Hecto, Kilo and Myria? 

What is the unit of weight ? 

What is the official unit of fluid measure ? Give its origin. 

Recite the tables of equivalent values. 

Exercise in converting milligrams in fractional parts of grains and vice 
versa. 


CHAPTER IV. 


DERIVATION OF DRUGS. 

The official list of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia contains almost 
a thousand names of drugs and preparations, and they are 
derived from the animal, vegetable and mineral kingdoms. 

The following list embraces all the official vegetable drugs. 
They are arranged in classes, according to the plant-part used. 
The full Latin and English titles are given and also the common 
name, if it also is official or very commonly used. 


ROOTS. 

Latin Name. English Name. 


Belladonna radix 

Belladonna root 

Calumba 

Calumba 

Glycyrrhiza 

Glycyrrhiza (Licorice Root) 

Gentiana 

Gentian 

Krameria 

Krameria 

Lappa 

Lappa 

Pareira 

Pareira 

Pyrethrum 

Pyrethrum 

Rheum 

Rhubarb 

Sarsaparilla 

Sarsaparilla 

Scopola 

Scopola 

Senega 

Senega 

Stillingia 

Stillingia 

Sumbul 

Sumbul 

Phytolacca 

Phytolacca 

Taraxacum 

Taraxacum (Dandelion) 

Gelsemium 

Gelsemium 

Apocynum 

Apocynum (Canadian Hemp) 

Althea 

Althea (Marshmallow) 

TUBERS. 

They are the en 

larged tips of underground stems. 

J alapa 

Jalap 

Aconitum 

Aconite (Monkshood) 

Colchici Cormus 

Colchicum Corm. 

Scilla 

Squill 


12 


DERIVATION OF DRUGS. 


13 


RHIZOMES. 

They are stems growing upon or just beneath the surface of 
the ground and commonly spoken of as roots. 


Podophyllum 

Podophyllum (May Apple—Man¬ 
drake) 

Valeriana 

Valerian 

Sanguinaria 

Sanguinaria (Blood Root) 

Geranium 

Geranium 

Serpentaria 

Serpentaria 

Spigelia 

Spigelia (Pink Root) 

Hydrastis 

Hydrastis (Golden Seal) 

Cimicifuga 

Cimicifuga 

Leptandra 

Leptandra 

Zingiber 

Ginger 

Calamus 

Calamus (Sweet Flag) 

Triticum 

Triticum (Couch Grass) 

Veratrum 

Veratrum 

Cypripedium 

Cypripedium (Ladies’ Slipper) 

Convallaria 

Convallaria (Lilly of the Valley) 

Berberis 

Berberis 

Aspidium 

Aspidium 

WOODS. 

Quassia 

Quassia 

Haematoxylon 

Haematoxylon (Log Wood) 

Santalum Rubrum 

Red Saunders 

BARKS. 

Cinchona 

Cinchona 

Cinchona rubra 

Red Cinchona (Calisaya—Peru 
vian Bark) 

Frangula 

Frangula 

Granatum 

Pomegranate 

Prunus Virginiana 

Wild Cherry 

Rhamnus Purshiana 

Cascara 

Viburnum Opulus 

Cramp Bark 

Viburnum Prunifolium 

Black Haw 

Xanthoxylon 

Xanthoxylon (Prickly Ash) 

Quercus 

Quercus (White Oak) 

Rubus 

Rubus (Blackberry) 

Mezereum 

Mezereum 

Gossypii Cortex 

Cotton-root Bark 

Euonymus 

Euonymus 

Quillaja 

Quillaja (Soap Bark) 

Ulmus 

Elm 

Cinnamomum Saigonicum 

Saigon Cinnamon 


4 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


BARKS-CONTINUED. 

Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Ceylon Cinnamon 

Sassafras Sassafras. 

Hamamelis Cortex Witch Hazel Bark 


Digitalis 
Uva ursi 
Pilocarpus 
Eucalyptus 
Coca. 

Belladonna Folia 

Chimaphilla 

Eriodictyon 

Buchu 

Senna 


LEAVES. 

Digitalis (Foxglove) 

Uva Ursi (Bearberry) 

Pilocarpus (J aborandi) 

Eucalyptus 

Coca 

Belladonna Leaf (Deadly Nightshade) 

Chimaphilla 

Yerba Santa 

Buchu 

Senna 


Mentha Piperita. 

Mentha Viridis 

Lobelia 

Hedeoma 

Marrubium 

Scutellaria 

Eupatorium 

Grindelia 

Chirata 

Cannabis Indica 

Scoparius 

Chondrus 


Santonica 

Cusso 

Rosa Gallica 

Caryophyllus 

Calendula 

Matricaria 

Anthemis 

Arnica 


Cubeba 

Piper 

Humulus 

Rhus Glabra 

Prunum 

Pimenta 

Capsicum 


HERBS. 

Peppermint 

Spearmint 

Lobelia 

Pennyroyal 

Horehound 

Scutellaria (Skull Cap) 

Boneset 

Grindelia 

Chirata 

Indian Cannabis (Ind. Hemp) 
Scoparius. (Broom) 

Irish Moss 

FLOWERS. 

Santonica. (Levant Worm Seed) 

Kousso 

Red Rose 

Clove 

Calendula (Marygold) 

German Chamomile 
Roman Chamomile 
Arnica 

FRUITS. 

Cubeb 

Pepper 

Hops 

Rhus Glabra (Sumac) 

Prune 

Pimenta (Allspice) 

Capsicum (Cayenne Pepper) 


DERIVATION OF DRUGS. 


FRUITS 

Colocynthis 

Cassia Fistula 

Cardamomum 

Vanilla 

Coriandrum 

Conium 

Foeniculum 

Carum 

Anisum 

Limonis Cortex 

Aurantii Amari Cortex 

Aurantii Dulcis Cortex 

Tamarindus 

Ficus 

Sabal 


Nux Vomica 
Strophanthus 
Amygdala Amara 
Amygdala Dulcis 
Physostigma 
Pepo 

Sinapis Alba 
Sinapis Nigra 
Staphisagria 
Linum 
Myristica 
Colchici Semen 


—CONTINUED. 

Colocynth (Bitter Apple) 

Purging Cassia 

Cardamom 

Vanilla 

Coriander 

Conium (Hemlock) 

Fennel 

Caraway 

Anise 

Lemon Peel 
Bitter Orange Peel 
Sweet Orange Peel 
Tamarind 
Fig 

Sabal (Saw Palmetto) 

SEEDS. 

Nux Vomica 
Strophanthus 
Bitter Almond 
Sweet Almond 
Calabar Bean 
Pepo (Pumpkin Seed) 
White Mustard 
Black Mustard 
Staphisagria (Larkspur) 
Linum (Flax Seed) 
Myristica (Nutmeg) 
Colchicum Seed 


UNCLASSIFIED PARTS OF PLANTS. 


Ergota 

Galla 

Sassafras Medulla 
Zea 

Gossypium Purificatum 
Lupulinum 
Lycopodium 
Amylum 


Ergot 

Nutgal 

Sassafras pith 
Zea (Corn Silk) 

Purified Cotton (Absorbent Cotton) 

Lupulin 

Lycopodium 

Starch 


Opium 

Guarana 

Lactucarium 

Aloe 

Gambir 

Kino 

Elastica 


DRIED EXTRACTS AND JUICES. 

Opium 

Guarana 

Lactucarium (Lettuce) 

Aloes 

Gambir 

Kino 

Rubber 


1 6 MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 

SACCHARINE SUBSTANCES. 


Saccharum 

Manna 

Saccharum Lactis 

Mel 

Sugar 

Manna 

Sugar of Milk 

Honey 

Acacia 

Tragacantha 

GUMS. 

Acacia (Gum Arabic) 

Tragacanth. 

Assafoetida 

Mvrrha 

Cambogia 

GUM RESINS. 

Assafoetida 

Myrrha 

Gamboge 

Mastiche 

Benzoinum 

Guaiacum 

Resina 

RESINS. 

Mastic 

Benzoin 

Guaiac 

Rosin 

Balsamum Peruvianum 
Balsamum Tolutanum 

Sty rax 

BALSAMS. 

Balsam Peru 

Balsam Tolu 

Storax 

Copaiba 

Terebinthinas Canadensis 
Terebinthina 

Pix Liquida 

Oleum Cadinum 

OLEO-RESINS. 

Copaiba 

Canada Turpentine 

Turpentine 

Tar 

Oil of Cade 

Camphora 

Thymol 

Menthol 

CAMPHORS. 

Camphor 

Thymol 

Menthol 


FIXED OILS, FATS AND WAXES. 

Oleum Amygdalae Expressum Expressed Oil of Almond (Sweet 


Oleum Morrhuae 

Adeps 

Sevum Praeparatum 
Cetaceum 

Cera Flava 

Cera Alba 

Oil of Almond) 

Cod Liver Oil 

Lard 

Prepared Suet 

Spermaceti 

Yellow Wax 

White Wax 


DERIVATION OF DRUGS. 


17 


DRUGS OF ANIMAL ORIGIN. 


Cantharis 

Moschus 

Pepsinum 

Pancreatinum 

Glandulese Thyroideae Siccae 
Glanduleae Suprarenaleae Siccae 
Fel Bo vis 

Serum Antidiphthericum 
Gelatinum 


Cantharides (Spanish Fly) 

Musk 

Pepsin 

Pancreatin 

Dried Thyroid Gland 
Dried Supra-renal Gland 
Ox Gall 

Antidiphtheric Serum (Diphtheria 
Antitoxin) 

Gelatin 


QUESTIONS. 

Latin and English titles and common name, if one is given, and plant 
part used: Belladonna, gentian, licorice, rhubarb, dandelion, aconite, squill, 
blood root, quassia, Peruvian bark, foxglove, peppermint, chamomile, bitter 
apple, nux vomica, ergot, opium, sugar, asafetida, cod-liver oil, cantharides. 


2 


CHAPTER V. 


AQUEOUS PREPARATIONS. 

AQU;E—WATERS. 

In its pharmacopceial meaning a water is a solution of a 
volatile substance in water, a volatile substance being one, 
which by evaporation at the ordinary temperature of the air, 
loses its strength. 

With a few exceptions, the waters are used for flavoring pur¬ 
poses. They should be freshly made and possess the odor of 
the substances indicated by the title. They should be clear 
and transparent, showing no deposit nor any fungous growths. 

The list of official waters given here is divided into three 
classes, because they are made by three different processes. 

Those of the first class are made by agitating the substance 
with water until it is dissolved and then filtering, and all of 
them have slight medicinal value. 

Aquae Creosoti Creosoti Water 

Aqua Chloroformi Chloroform Water 

Aqua Amygdalae Amari Bitter Almond Water 

Those of the second class are made by the following process: 

The oil is rubbed in a mortar, with the water and the insoluble 
powder known as talcum, and then filtered. The oil of the 
drug is used, rather than the drug itself, because it is of a definite 
strength and also more convenient. Any oil remaining undis¬ 
solved is held back in the filter by the talcum, the latter being 
used for that purpose. 

Whenever possible, simple processes like this one are better 
impressed upon the pupil’s mind by visiting the dispensary 
and watching them while being done by the apothecary. 

/ 18 


AQUEOUS PREPARATIONS. 


19 


Aqua Anisi 
Aqua Cinnamomi 
Aqua Foeniculi 
Aqua Mentha Piperita 
Aqua Mentha Viridis 


Anise Water 
Cinnamon Water 
Fennel Water 
Peppermint Water 
Spearmint Water 


The third class are made by distillation. When water is 
heated, it is converted into vapor. If the vapor is conducted 
into a cooled receiver, it is condensed into its original form 


again. Advantage is taken of this natural phenomenon to 
separate volatile from non-volatile substances. 

The process requires a still and the simplest form of still 
consists of a glass flask, having its long neck bent over at an 
acute angle, and of a size to fit into the straight neck of another 
flask. The substance to be distilled, rose leaves for example, is 
placed in the first flask with some water and connected with 
the receiving flask, which is surrounded by ice or cold water. 
Upon applying heat to the flask containing the rose leaves and 
water, the volatile oil in the leaves, together with the water, 
distill over into the chilled flask, where the two condense 


together and the condensed product is rose water. 


Aqua Aurantii Florum Fortior Stronger Orange Flower Water 
Aqua Destillata Distilled Water 

Aqua Hamamelidis Hamamelis Water (Witch Hazel Ex¬ 

tract) 

Aqua Rosae Fortior Stronger Rose Water 

The fourth class are made by dilution of the stronger waters 
of the same name, wdth distilled water. 


Aqua Ammoniae Ammonia Water 

Aqua Rosae Rose Water 

Aqua Aurantii Florum Orange Flower Water 

The fifth class are made by chemical processes. 

Aqua Ammoniae Fortior Stronger Ammonia Water 

Aqua Hydrogenii Dioxidi Hydrogen Dioxide Water 

LIQUO RES—SOLUTIONS. 

The liquors are solutions of non-volatile substances in water. 
They should, like the waters, be free from sediment. 


20 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


Liquor Acidi Arsenosi 
Liquor Ammonii Acetatis 

Liquor Antisepticus 
Liquor Arseni et Hydrargyri 
Iodidi 

Liquor Calcis 

Liquor Chlori Compositus 
Liquor Cresolis Compositus 
Liquor Ferri Chloridi 
Liquor Ferri et Ammonii Acetatis 

Liquor Ferri Subsulphatis 

Liquor Ferri Tersulphatis 
Liquor Formaldehydi 
Liquor Hydrargyri Nitratis 
Liquor Iodi Compositus 

Liquor Magnesii Citratis 
Liquor Plumbi Subacetatis 
Liquor Plumbi Subacetatis Dilutus 

Liquor Potassii Arsenitis 

Liquor Potassii Citratis 
Liquor Potassii Hydroxidi 

Liquor Sodii Chlorinata 

Liquor Sodii Arsenatis 

Liquor Sodii Hydroxidi 
Liquor Sodii Phosphatis Com¬ 
positus 

Liquor Zinci Chloridi 


Solution of Arsenous Acid 
Solution of Ammonium Acetate 
(Spirit of Mindererus) 

Antiseptic Solution 
Solution of Arsenic and Mercuric 
Iodide (Donovan’s Solution) 
Solution of Calcium Hydroxide 
(Lime Water) 

Compound Solution of Chlorine 
Compound Solution of Cresol 
Solution of Ferric Chloride 
Solution of Iron and Ammonium 
Acetate (Basham’s Mixture) 
Solution of Subsulphate of Iron 
(Monsel’s Solution) 

Solution of Ferric Sulphate 
Solution of Formaldehyde 
Solution of Mercuric Nitrate 
Compound Solution of Iodine 
(Lugol’s Solution) 

Solution of Magnesium Citrate 
Solution of Lead Subacetate 
Dilute Solution of Lead Subacetate 
(Goulard’s Extract) 

Solution of Potassium Arsenite 
(Fowler’s Solution) 

Solution of Potassium Citrate 
Solution of Potassium Hydroxide 
(Liquor Potassa) 

Solution of Chlorinated Soda (Lab- 
arraque’s Solution) 

Solution of Sodium Arsenate (Pear¬ 
son’s Solution) 

Solution of Sodium Hydroxide 
Compound Solution of Sodium 
Phosphate 

Solution of Zinc Chloride 


THE SYRUPS. 

SYRUPI—SYRUPS. 

These are solutions of either vegetable or mineral substances 
in water, sweetened with a large proportion of sugar. 

Being solutions, they should be clear; but owing to the re¬ 
fractory nature of some of the drugs used, it is sometimes diffi¬ 
cult to make them so permanently and quite often they are 
cloudy, and they sometimes ferment. 


AQUEOUS PREPARATIONS. 


21 


SYRUPUI. 

(Syrupus) 

Syrupus Acaciae 
Syrupus Acidi Citrici 
Syrupus Acidi Hydriodici 
Syrupus Amygdalae 
Syrupus Aurantii 
Syrupus Aurantii Florum 
Syrupus Calcii Lactophosphatis 
Syrupus Calcis 
Syrupus Ferri Iodidi 
Syrupus Ferri, Quininae et Strvch- 
ninae Phosphatum 
Syrupus Hypophosphitum 
Syrupus Hypophosphitum Com- 
positus 


SYRUPS. 

(Simple Syrup.) 

Syrup of Acacia 
Syrup of Citric Acid 
Syrup of Hydriodic Acid 
Syrup of Almond 
Syrup of Orange 
Syrup of Orange Flower 
Syrup of Calcium Lactophosphate 
Syrup of Lime 
Syrup of Ferrous Iodide 
Syrup of the Phosphates of Iron, 
Quinine and Strychnine 
Syrup of the Hypophosphites 
Compound Syrup of Hypophos¬ 
phites 


Syrupus Ipecacuanhae 

Syrup of Ipecac 

Syrupus Krameriae 

Syrup of Krameria 

Syrupus Lactucarii 

Syrup of Lactucarium 

Syrupus Picis Liquidae 

Syrup of Tar 

Syrupus Pruni Virginianae 

Syrup of Wild Cherry 

Syrupus Rhei 

Syrup of Rhubarb 

Syrupus Rhei Aromaticus 

Aromatic Syrup of Rhubarb 

Syrupus Rosae 

Syrup of Rose 

Syrupus Rubi 

Syrup of Rubus 

Syrupus Sarsaparillae Compositus 

Compound Syrup of Sarsaparilla 

Syrupus Scillae 

Syrup of Squill 

Syrupus Scillae Compositus 

Compound Syrup of Squill 

Syrupus Senegae 

Syrup of Senega (Hive Syrup) 

Syrupus Sennae 

Syrup of Senna 

Syrupus Tolutanus 

Syrup of Tolu 

Syrupus Zingiberis 

Syrup of Ginger 

MELLITA 

—HONEYS. 

These are solutions of medicinal substances mixed w 

honey. 

Mel 

Honey 

Mel Depuratum 

Clarified Honey 

Mel Rosae 

Honey of Roses 


MUCILAGINES—MUCILAGES. 

Mucilages are thick, viscid solutions made by dissolving 
various gums or substances of a gummy nature in water and 
straining through gauze or other clarifying material. 


22 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


They should be free from sediment, but are not always trans¬ 
parent. They are best preserved in bottles tied over with 
gauze rather than stoppered. 


Mucilago Acaciae 
Mucilago Sassafras MeduUae 
Mucilago Tragacanthae 
Mucilago Ulmi 


Mucilage of Acacia 
Mucilage of Sassafras Pith 
Mucilage of Tragacanth 
Mucilage of Elm 


MISTURA—MIXTURES. 

These are aqueous preparations containing insoluble sub¬ 
stances, held in suspension by gum, sugar or some other viscid 
substance. 

They are not transparent like solutions and when left standing 
for a time, the insoluble substance is deposited at the bottom 
of the bottle. Mixtures should be thoroughly shaken, before 
they are used. 


MISTURA CRETA—CHALK MIXTURE. 


Mistura Ferri Composita 
Mistura Glycyrrhiza Composita 
Mistura Rhei et Sodae 


Compound Iron Mixture (Griffith’s 
Mixture) 

Compound Mixture of Glycyrrhiza 
(Brown Mixture) 

Mixture of Rhubarb and Soda 


EMULSA—EMULSIONS. 

An emulsion is an aqueous compound containing oil or resin 
held in suspension by gum, malt, yolk of egg or other suitable 


substance. 

Emulsum Amygdalae 
Emulsum Asafcetidae 
Emulsum Chloroformi 
Emulsum Olei Morrhuae 
Emulsum Olei Morrhuae cum Hy- 
phosphitibus 

Emulsum Olei Terebinthinae 


Emulsion of Almond 
Emulsion of Asafoetida 
Emulsion of Chloroform 
Emulsion of Cod Liver Oil 
Emulsion of Cod Liver Oil with 
Hypophosphite 

Emulsion Oil of Turpentine 


AQUEOUS PREPARATIONS. 


2 3 


GLY CERITA—GLY CERITES. 

These are solutions of medicinal substances in glycerin. 

Glyceritum Acidi Tanici Glycerite of Tannic Acid 

Glyceritum Amyli Glycerite of Starch 

Glyceritum Boroglycerini Glycerite of Boroglycerin 

Glyceritum Ferri, Quininae et Glycerite of Iron, Quinine and 
Strychnin® Phosphatum Strychnine Phosphate 

Glyceritum Hydrastis Glycerite of Hydrastis 

Glyceritum Phenolis Glycerite of Phenol (Glycerite of 

Carbolic Acid) 


INFUSA—INFUSIONS. 

Unless otherwise directed by the Pharmacopoeia or by the 
prescriber, the strength of infusions is 5 per cent, (about one 
ounce of drug to one pint of water). They are made by steeping 
the drug in water. Cold water if a volatile and hot water if a 
non-volatile drug is used. 

After steeping the drug for an hour in cold water, or allowing 
it to stand in hot water until it has become cold, the infusion is 
strained through a cloth. They should be freshly made as they 
easily spoil in a short time. 

Infusum Digitalis Infusion of Digitalis 

Infusum Pruni Virginianae Infusion of Wild Cherry 

Infusum Sennae Compositus Compound Infusion of Senna 

(Black Draught) 

DECOCTA—DECOCTIONS. 

These are made from the more refractory drugs by boiling 
them with water for 15 minutes and then straining. There 
are no official decoctions. 

LINIMENTA—LINIMENTS. 

These are mixtures or solutions of aromatic oils, ammonia 
and other stimulants, counterirritants or anodyne drugs, with 
oil or alcohol and intended for external use. 


24 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


Linimentum Ammoniac 

Linimentum Belladonnae 
Linimentum Calcis 
Linimentum Camphorae 

Linimentum Chloroformi 
Linimentum Saponis 
Linimentum Saponis Mollis 
Linimentum Terebinthinae 


Ammonia Liniment (Hartshorn 
Liniment) Volatile Liniment 
Belladonna Liniment 
Lime Liniment (Carron Oil) 
Camphor Liniment (Camphorated 
Oil) 

Chloroform Liniment 
Soap Liniment 
Soft Soap Liniment 
Turpentine Liniment 


OLEATA—OLEATES. 


These are chemical compounds of oleic acid with the sub¬ 
stances indicated by the title. They are for external use. 


Oleatum Atropinae 
Oleatum Cocainac 
Oleatum Hydrargyri 
Oleatum Quininae 
Oleatum Veratrinae 


Oleate of Atropine 
Oleate of Cocaine 
Oleate of Mercury 
Oleate of Quinine 
Oleate of Veratrine 


QUESTIONS. 

Define the official term waters. 

How many classes are there and how is each class produced ? 

Define the official term liquors or solutions. 

Latin names of those known best by their common names. 

Define and describe the official term syrup. 

Define and describe mucilages, mixtures, emulsions, infusions, decoctions, 
liniments. 


CHAPTER VI. 

ALCOHOLIC PREPARATIONS 
SPIRITI—SPIRITS. (Essences.) 

These are solutions of volatile substances in alcohol. 


Spiritus ^Etheris 
Spiritus AEtheris Compositu 

Spiritus TStheris Nitrosi 

Spiritus Ammoniae 
Spiritus Ammoniae Aromaticus 
Spiritus Amygdalae Amarae 
Spiritus Anisi 

Spiritus Aurantii Compositus 
Spiritus Camphorae 
Spiritus Chloroformi 
Spiritus Cinnamomi 
Spiritus Frumenti 
Spiritus Gaultheriae 
Spiritus Glycerylis Nitratis 

Spiritus Juniperi 
Spiritus Juniperi Compositus 
Spiritus Lavendulae 
Spiritus Menthae Piperitae 
Spiritus Menthae Viridis 
Spiritus Vini Gallici 


Spirit of Ether 

Compound Spirit of Ether (Hoff¬ 
man’s Anodyne) 

Spirit of Nitrous Ether (Sweet 
Spirit of Nitre) 

Spirit of Ammonia 
Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia 
Spirit of Bitter Almond 
Spirit of Anise 
Compound Spirit of Orange 
Spirit of Camphor 
Spirit of Chloroform 
Spirit of Cinnamon 
Whiskey 

Spirit of Gaultheria 
Spirit of Glyceryl Trinitrate 
(Spirit of Nitroglycerin) 

Spirit of Jumper 
Compound Spirit of Juniper 
Spirit of Lavender 
Spirit of Peppermint 
Spirit of Spearmint 
Brandy 


ELIXIRIA—ELIXIRS. 


These are solutions of medicinal substances in water and 
alcohol flavored with aromatics and sugar. They contain 
about 25 per cent, of alcohol. 


Elixir Adjuvans 
Elixir Aromaticum 
Elixir Ferri, Quininae et Strych- 
ninae Phosphatum 


Adjuvant Elixir 
Aromatic Elixir 

Elixir of Iron, Quinine and Strych 
nine Phosphates 
(^5 gr. of Strychnine to f 0 j) 


25 


26 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


COLLODIA—COLLODIONS. 


These are solutions of gun cotton in ether and alcohol. 
Other substances are added to them to render them fit for 
special uses. 


Collodion 

Cantharidal Collodion 
Flexible Collodion 
Styptic Collodion 


Collodium 

Collodium Cantharidatam 
Collodium Flexile 
Collodium Stypticum 


TINCTURE—TINCTURES. 


These are alcoholic or dilute alcoholic solutions of the soluble 
constituents of a vegetable drug. There are several exceptions, 
in which the substance dissolved is of mineral origin. 

This large and important class of preparations are made 
in three ways, viz.: By maceration, by solution and by per¬ 
colation. 

Maceration. —This process consists in soaking the drug in 
a suitable solvent for seven days or more and then filtering. 

Solution consists in mixing the substance with the solvent 
liquid and agitating until dissolved. 

Percolation, by which process the greater portion of the 
tinctures are made, is conducted in the following way: The 
drug, in powdered form, is first moistened and poured into a 
cylindrical or conical shaped vessel, open at the upper end and 
with a narrow outlet at the lower end, called a percolator, and 
settled into the vessel by shaking gently. The solvent is then 
poured on to the drug and allowed to run slowly through at the 
rate of three or four drops per minute till the desired quantity 
of tincture is obtained. By that time, if the process has been 
properly conducted the drug is entirely exhausted of all its 
soluble medicinal principles; that which is left in the percolator 
being quite inert. 

The tinctures of all the poisonous drugs are of the uniform 


ALCOHOLIC PREPARATIONS. 


strength of io per cent.; each minim of the tincture being equal 
in value to y 1 ^ of a grain of the drug from which it is made. 

The tinctures of the non-poisonous drugs are of the uniform 
strength of 20 per cent.; each minim of the tincture being equal 
to } of a grain of the drug from which it is made. 

There are several exceptions noted in the list. 


Tinctura Aconiti 
Tinctura Aloes 
Tinctura Aloes et Myrrhae 
Tinctura Arnicae 
Tinctura Asafoetidae 
Tinctura Aurantii Amari 
Tinctura Aurantii Dulcis 
Tinctura Belladonna Foliorum 
Tinctura Benzoini 
Tinctura Benzoini Compositus 

Tinctura Calendulae 

Tinctura Calumbae 

Tinctura Cannabis Indicae 

Tinctura Cantharidis 

Tinctura Capsici 

Tinctura Cardamomi 

Tinctura Cardamomi Composita 

Tinctura Cimicifugae 

Tinctura Cinchonae 

Tinctura Cinchonae Composita 

Tinctura Cinnamomi 

Tinctura Colchici Seminis 

Tinctura Digitalis 

Tinctura Ferri Chloridi 

Tinctura Gallae 

Tinctura Gambir Composita 

Tinctura Gelsemii 

Tinctura Gentianae Composita 

Tinctura Guaiaci 

Tinctura Guaiaci Composita 

Tinctura Hydrastis 

Tinctura Hyoscyami 

Tinctura Iodi 

Tinctura Ipecacuanhae et Opii 
Tinctura Kino 
Tinctura Krameriae 
Tinctura Lactucarii 
Tinctura Lavandulae Composita 


Tincture of Aconite 

Tincture of Aloes 

Tincture of Aloes and Myrrh 

Tincture of Arnica 

Tincture of Asafoetida 

Tincture of Bitter Orange Peel 

Tincture of Sweet Orange Peel, 50% 

Tincture Belladonna Leaf 

Tincture Benzoin 

Compound Tincture of Benzoin 
(Turlington’s Balsam) 

Tincture of Calendula 
Tincture of Calumba 
Tincture of Cannabis Indica 
Tincture of Cantharides 
Tincture of Capsicum 
Tincture of Cardamom 
Compound Tincture of Cardamom 
Tincture Cimicifuga 
Tincture Cinchona 
Compound Tincture of Cinchona 
Tincture of Cinnamon 
Tincture Colchicum Seed 
Tincture Digitalis 
Tincture Ferric Chloride 
Tincture of Nut Gall 
Compound Tincture Gambir 
Tincture of Gelsemium 
Compound Tincture of Gentian 
Tincture of Guaiacum. 

Compound Tincture of Guaiacum 
Tincture of Hydrastis 
Tincture of Hyoscyamus 
Tincture of Iodine, 7% 

Tincture of Ipecac and Opium 
Tincture of Kino 
Tincture of Krameria 
Tincture of Lactucarium 
Compound Tincture of Lavender 


28 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


Tinctura Limonis Cortex 
Tinctura Lobelise 
Tinctura Moschi 
Tinctura Myrrhae 
Tinctura Nucis Vomicae 

Tinctura Opii 

Tinctura Opii Camphorata 

Tinctura Opii Deodorata 

Tinctura Physostigmatis 

Tinctura Pyrethri 

Tinctura Quassiae 

Tinctura Quillajae 

Tinctura Rhei 

Tinctura Rhei Aromatica 

Tinctura Sanguinariae 

Tinctura Scillae 

Tinctura Serpentariae 

Tinctura Stramonii 

Tinctura Strophanthi 

Tinctura Tolutanae 

Tinctura Valerianae 

Tinctura Valerianae Ammoniati 

Tinctura Vanillae 

Tinctura Veratri 

Tinctura Zingiberis 

Tinctura Herbarum Recentum 


50% Tincture of Lemon Peel 
Tincture of Lobelia 
Tincture of Musk 
Tincture of Myrrh. 

Tincture of Nux Vomica 

(irr| = T o 1 o^ grain Strychnine) 
Tincture of Opium (Laudanum) 
Camphorated Tincture of Opium 
(Paregoric) 

Tincture of Deodorized Opium 

Tincture of Physostigma 

Tincture of Pyrethrum 

Tincture of Quassia 

Tincture of Quillaja 

Tincture of Rhubarb 

Aromatic Tincture of Rhubarb 

Tincture Sanguinaria 

Tincture Squill 

Tincture Serpentaria 

Tincture Stramonium 

Tincture Strophanthus 

Tincture of Tolu 

Tincture of Valerian 

Ammoniated Tincture of Valerian 

Tincture of Vanilla 

Tincture of Veratrum 

Tincture of Ginger 

Tincture of Fresh Herbs 


VINA —WINES. 

These are solutions of the soluble principles of drugs in sherry 
wine. 


Vinum Album 

White Wine 

Vinum Antimonii 

Wine of Antimony 

Vinum Cocae 

Wine of Coca 

Vinum Colchici Seminis 

Wine of Colchicum Seed 

Vinum Ergotae 

Wine of Ergot 

Vinum Ferri 

Wine of Iron 

Vinum Ferri Amarum 

Bitter Wine of Iron 

Vinum Ipecacuanhae 

Wine of Ipecac 

Vinum Opii 

Wine of Opium 

Vinum Rubrum 

Red Wine 


FLUID EXTRACT A—FLUIDEXTR ACTS. 

These are concentrated solutions of the active principles of 
vegetable drugs. They are made principally by percola- 


ALCOHOLIC PREPARATIONS. 


29 


tion, just as the tinctures are; but possess two important 
advantages over that class of preparations: First, they are 
concentrated to the smallest possible bulk, and second, they 
are all the same strength, one cubic centimeter of a fluidex- 
tract being the equivalent of one gram of the drug from 
which it is made, or expressing in our old system, one minim 
of fluidextract and one grain of drug are equal in medicinal 
value. There are eighty-five official fluidextracts and only those 
frequently used are given in this place, the complete list being 
placed in the epitome of the pharmacopceial preparations at the 


end of the book. 

Fluidextractum Apocyni 
Fluidextractum Belladonnae 
Radicis 

Fluidextractum Buchu 
Fluidextractum Cocae 
Fluidextractum Colchici Seminis 
Fluidextractum Convallariae 
Fluidextractum Ergotae 
Fluidextractum Eriodictyi 

Fluidextractum Eucalypti 
Fluidextractum Gelsemii 
Fluidextractum Glycyrrhizae 
Fluidextractum Guaranae 
Fluidextractum Hydrastis 
Fluidextractum Ipecacuanhae 
Fluidextractum Pilocarpi 

Fluidextractum Pruni Virginianae 
Fluidextractum Rhamni Pur- 
shianae 

Fluidextractum Rhamni Purshi- 
anae Aromaticum 
Fluidextractum Rhei 
Fluidextractum Sarsaparillae Com- 
positum 

Fluidextractum Sennae 
Fluidextractum Uvae Ursi 
Fluidextractum Valerianae 
Fluidextractum Veratri 
Fluidextractum Viburnum Opului 

Fluidextractum Zingiberis 


Fluidextract of Apocynum 
Fluidextract of Belladonna Root 

Fluidextract of Buchu 
Fluidextract of Coca 
Fluidextract of Colchicum Seed 
Fluidextract of Convallaria 
Fluidextract of Ergot 
Fluidextract of Eriodictyon (Yerba 
Santa) 

Fluidextract of Eucalyptus 
Fluidextract of Gelsemium 
Fluidextract of Glycyrrhiza (Licorice) 
Fluidextract of Guarana 
Fluidextract of Hydrastis 
Fluidextract of Ipecac 
Fluidextract of Pilocarpus (Jabor- 
andi) 

Fluidextract of Wild Cherry 
Fluidextract of Cascara Sagrada 

Aromatic Fluidextract Cascara Sa¬ 
grada 

Fluidextract of Rhubarb 
Compound Fluidextract of Sarsa¬ 
parilla 

Fluidextract of Senna 
Fluidextract of Uva Ursi 
Fluidextract of Valerian 
Fluidextract of Veratrum 
Fluidextract of Viburnum Opulus 
(Cramp Bark ) 

Fluidextract of Ginger 


3 ° 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


QUESTIONS. 

Define spirits. 

Latin names of those best known by their common names. 

Define elixir. 

Define and describe the several methods of preparing tinctures. 

What is the percentage strength of the tinctures of poisonous and non- 
poisonous drugs ? 

How much strychnine in one minim of tincture of nux vomica? 

Give Latin titles of the several tinctures best known by a common name. 
Define fluidextracts and state how they differ from tinctures. 


CHAPTER VII. 


MISCELLANEOUS PREPARATIONS. 


OLEO-RESIN^E—OLEO-RESINS. 

Oleo-resins are one form of active principles which are dis¬ 
solved out of a drug by percolating it with ether and then evapor¬ 
ating the ether, the residue being the oleo-resin. 


Oleoresina Aspidii 
Oleoresina Capsici 

Oleoresina Cubebae 
Oleoresina Lupulini 
Oleoresina Piperis 
Oleoresina Zingiberis 


Oleoresin of Aspidium (Male Fern) 
Oleoresin of Capsicum (Cayenne 
Pepper) 

Oleoresin of Cubeb 
Oleoresin of Lupulin 
Oleoresin of Pepper 
Oleoresin of Ginger 


ACETA—VINEGARS. 

The vinegars are made by macerating or percolating a drug 
with either diluted acetic acid or vinegar; some drugs yielding 
their active principles more readily to that menstruum, than 
to alcohol. 


Acetum Opii Vinegar of Opium (Black Drop) 

Acetum Scillae Vinegar of Squill 

EXTRACTA—EXTRACTS. 

Extracts, or solid extracts as they are called, are usually made 
by carefully evaporating fluidextracts at a low heat, to avoid 
burning, until they are brought to what is called a pilular 
consistence; by which is meant one which will permit of being 
readily rolled into pill form and insure permanency of shape. 

As a rule they are concentrated to about four times the strength 
of the drug from which they are made and the dose is therefore 
only one-fourth that of the drug, one-quarter of a grain of 

3 1 


3 2 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


extract being equal to one grain of the drug from which it is 
made. 

They are used in pill or suppository form and generally 
several are used together. See official list at end of book. 

RESINA—RESINS. 


The official resins are the active principles of the drugs from 
which they are obtained. They are dissolved out of the drug 
with alcohol and, being insoluble in water, when the alcoholic 
solution is mixed with water, they are thrown out of solution, 
separated by filtration and dried. Like the extracts they are 
used in pill form. 

Resina Jalapas Resin of Jalap 

Resina Podophylli Resin of Podophyllum 

Resina Scammonii Resin of Scammony 

PULVERES—POWDERS. 


The official powders are compound, being made up of two 
or more powders intimately mixed so as to be indistinguishable, 
one from the other. 


Pulvis Acetanilidi Compositus 


Pulvis Aromaticus 
Pulvis Cretae Compositus 
Pulvis Effervescens Compositus 

Pulvis Glycyrrhizae Compositus 
Pulvis Ipecacuanhae et Opii 

Pulvis Jalapae Compositus 
Pulvis Morphinae Compositus 

Pulvis Rhei Compositus 


Compound Acetanilide Powder 
(Acetanilide, Caffeine and So¬ 
dium Bicarbonate) 

Aromatic Powder 
Compound Chalk Powder 
Compound Effervescing Powder 
(Seitlitz Powder) 

Compound Powder of Glycyrrhiza 
Powder of Ipecac and Opium 
(Dover’s Powder) 

Compound Powder of Jalap 
Compound Powder of Morphine 
(Tully’s Powder) 

Compound Rhubarb Powder 


TRITURATIONES—TRITURATIONS 
AND 

TABLETS—TABLETS. 

Triturations and tablet triturates are composed of medicines, 
the dose of which is too small to be handled conveniently. 


MISCELLANEOUS PREPARATIONS. 


33 

They are for that reason mixed with sugar of milk, in sufficient 
quantity to facilitate the handling of them. 

While there are innumerable tablet triturates in use, there are 
none official. 


CONFECTIONES—CONFECTIONS. 

There are mixtures of disagreeable drugs with spices and 
sugar or honey, made into a paste or jelly-like form. Some 
are medicinal and others are used as vehicles for bringing other 
drugs into pill form. 

Confectio Rosae Confection of Rose 

Confectio Sennae Confection of Senna 

PILUL^E—PILLS. 

These consist of medicines mixed together in a mass of a con¬ 
sistence to be rolled into globular form. 

Pilulae Catharticae Compositae Compound Cathartic Pills 

Pilulae Catharticae Vegetabiles Vegetable Cathartic Pills 

Pilulae Ferri Carbonatis Carbonate of Iron Pills (Blaud’s 

Pills) 

Pilulae Opii Pills of Opium 

Pilulae Rhei Composita Compound Pills of Rhubarb 

CERATI, CERATES—UNGUENTA, OINTMENTS. 

They are composed of medicinal substances mixed with fats, 
wax, resin, vaselin and oils. 

An ointment melts at the body temperature while a cerate 
remains upon the surface of the body wuthout melting and both 
are intended for external use. 

EMPLASTRA—PLASTERS. 

Plasters differ from cerates and ointments in that the medic¬ 
inal agent is mixed with an adhesive body, the basis of which 
is gutta percha and are designed to adhere to the surface of the 
body, until they are removed. See official list. 

( 

3 


34 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


SUPPOSITORIA—SUPPOSITORIES. 

The Pharmacopoeia describes suppositories as solid bodies 
of various weights and shape adapted for introduction into the 
different orifices of the human body, and melting readily at 
blood heat. The vehicles usually employed are oil of theo- 
broma (cocoa butter), glycerinated gelatin or sodium stearate. 


CATAPLASMA—CATAPLASMS. 

The official cataplasma kaolini or cataplasm of koline is 
typical of these compounds. It is familiar under such trade 
names as “Antiphlogistine,” “Antithermoline,” etc., and they 
are mixtures of various aluminum clays, with glycerin, worked 
together into a stiff paste, and incorporated with it are various 
antiseptic volatile oils, such as oil of gaultheria—eucalyptus, 
peppermint, thymol and others. They are used externally. 


GRANULAR EFFERVESCENT SALTS. 

These are compounds of various chemicals with sodium 
bicarbonate and tartaric acid which, when mixed with water, 
effervesce and form a drink more agreeable to take than the 
same substances would be if simply dissolved in water. 


Caffeina Citrata Effervescens 
Lithii Citras Effervescens 
Magnesii Sulphas Effervescens 
Sodii Phosphas Effervescens 


Effervescent Citrated Caffeine 
Effervescent Lithium Citrate 
Effervescent Magnesium Sulphate 
Effervescent Sodium Phosphate 


QUESTIONS. 

Define oleo-resin, vinegars, extracts, resins, powders, triturations, tablets, 
confections, pills, cerates, ointments, plasters, cataplasms, effervescent salts, 
and give example of each. 


CHAPTER VIII. 


DOSAGE. 

The average dose of all drugs, their preparations and active 
principles as well as the chemicals are given in the Pharmacopoeia. 
Nevertheless, the plan which has been followed in former editions 
of this work will be adhered to. 

The vegetable drugs are divided into three classes. 

The first class is given in doses of from J to 2 grains or from 
0.030 to 0.130 Gm. 

There are six of these drugs, as follows: 

Aconite, Cantharides, Digitalis, Opium, Physostigma 
and Strophanthus. 

The second class are given in doses of from 1 to 3 grains, or 
0.065 to 0.190 Gm. 

There are nineteen of them: 

Aloes, Belladonna, Camboge, Cannabis Indica, Capsicum, 
Colocynth, Conium, Gelsemium, Hyoscyamus, Ipecac, 
Lobelia, Musk, Nux Vomica, Pulsatilla, Savin, Squill, 
Scopola, Stramonium and Veratrum. 

The third class includes all other vegetable drugs, which are 
given in doses of from 5 to 30 grains or from 0.325 to 2.0 Gms. 

Some of the more commonly used ones, are: Benzoin, Cal- 
umba, Cardamom, Cascara, Cinchona, Gentian, Guaiacum, 
Hops, Myrrh, Rhubarb, Senna, Valerian. 

The names of the first two classes should be committed to 
memory. 

By doing this, the task of learning separately the doses of the 
various preparations of them is greatly simplified, as shown by 
the following rule: 


35 


3 6 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


The tinctures of the poisonous drugs are all of a uniform 
strength of io per cent., each minim representing yy of a grain 
of drug. 

The tinctures of the non-poisonous drugs are 20 per cent, in 
strength, each minim representing -J- of a grain of drug. 

The fluidextracts are 100 per cent, in strength, each minim 
representing 1 grain of drug. Therefore if one knows the dose 
of the drug, the relative drug value of any preparation of it 
can be easily obtained. 

To illustrate: 

What is the dose of tincture of opium? The dose of the drug 
is from ^ to 2 grains. The tincture being a 10 per cent, 
tincture, each minim containing yy grain of opium, 5 minims 
will contain yy and 20 minims -fy of a grain or \ and 2 grains 
respectively. The dose therefore is 5 to 20 minims. 

How much opium in a teaspoonful of the tincture? A tea¬ 
spoonful is 60 minims and 60 minims of tincture of opium contain 
yy or 6 grains of opium. 

With the tinctures of the non-poisonous drugs an approximate 
rule answers the purpose. 

They are all 20 per cent, in strength. 

If the percentage strength is multiplied by five, the product 
gives us the approximate number of grains in each fluid ounce. 

To illustrate: 

What is the dose of tincture of rhubarb? The dose of the 
drug is 5 to 30 grains. The tincture is 20 per cent, in strength. 
There are therefore 100 grains in each fluid ounce. In one fluid 
dram there are J of 100 grains or 12^ grains and therefore 1 
fluid dram will be an average dose. 

With fluidextracts the matter is very simple. Each minim is 
equal to 1 grain of drug. If the dose of the drug is 2 grains the 
corresponding dose of the fluidextract is 2 minims. 


DOSAGE. 


37 


QUESTIONS. 

Name the drugs in the first two classes and their doses in both systems of 
weight. 

Practice the pupils many times over in this and the succeeding lessons 
in therapeutics, according to the examples here given, illustrating the esti¬ 
mation of doses. 


CHAPTER IX. 


CHEMISTRY AND THE OFFICIAL CHEMICALS. 

“Chemistry,” according to Webster, “Is that branch of 
science which treats of the composition of substances and the 
changes which they undergo.” 

All substances, whether gaseous, fluid or solid, are either 
simple or compound—either consist of a single substance or 
several substances, chemically united. 

Simple substances are called elements. 

An element is a substance which cannot be decomposed by 
any of the several forces usually employed for that purpose. 

It is a peculiarity of chemical force, that when it has caused 
the union of two or more substances, they become lost to our 
common senses of observation and take on properties quite differ¬ 
ent from those possessed by the substances in their original state. 

Every one is familiar with the appearance of sulphur, a hard, 
brittle, yellow substance, with a characteristic odor and burning 
readily with suffocating fumes; and with iron, and with oxygen 
gas, one of the elements of the air. 

When these three substances are caused to unite, they can no 
longer be distinguished one from the other by their former 
properties. But another and altogether different substance is 
produced, known as copperas of sulphate of iron. This is a 
translucent green crystal. It is not inflammable like sulphur. 
It is not hard nor malleable like iron and unlike either of those 
substances it is soluble in water, and no trace of oxygen gas is to 
be seen. It affords a good example of the change that takes 
place in the nature of substances w T hich have been chemically 
combined. 


38 


CHEMISTRY AND THE OFFICIAL CHEMICALS. 39 

By the application of the proper forces, its constituent ele¬ 
ments may all be separated again and obtained in their original 
form. 

But sulphur and iron and oxygen cannot be decomposed be¬ 
cause each is a simple, uncombined element. 

The following list includes the more important elements, 
entering into official chemicals. Those which are used in their 
elementary state are in italics. The symbol or short-hand sign 
follows each name. 


Boron B 
Calcium Ca 
Carbon C (Charcoal) 
Cerium Ce 
Chlorine Cl 
Chromium Cr 
Copper Cu (Cuprum) 
Gold Au (Aurum) 
Hydrogen H 
Iodine I 

Iron Fe (Ferrum) 
Lead Pb (Plumbum) 


Lithium Li 

Magnesium Mg 

Mercury Hg (Hydrargyrum) 

Nitrogen N 

Oxygen O 

Phosphorus P 

Potassium K (Kalium) 

Silicon Si 

Silver Ag (Argentum) 
Sodium Na (Natrium) 
Strontium Sr 
Sulphur S 
Zinc Zn 


OXYGEN, HYDROGEN AND NITROGEN. 

Owing to the important parts which oxygen, hydrogen and 
nitrogen play in the phenomena of life, they deserve some atten¬ 
tion, although little used as such in medicine. 

Air is a mixture of four-fifths nitrogen and one-fifth oxygen. 
Water is composed of two parts of hydrogen and one part of 
oxygen. 

All three are colorless, odorless gases. 

Oxygen, in uniting with other substances does not burn; but 
is the medium in and by which other things burn and is called 
a supporter of combustion. It is necessary to our existence, in 
the air we breathe. 

Hydrogen gas is combustible. It burns if oxygen is present, 


40 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


when brought in contact with flame. It is not poisonous. It 
will not support life. 

Nitrogen neither supports combustion nor burns, and it will 
not support life. Its chief use in the air seems to be to dilute 
the oxygen, as an atmosphere of pure oxygen would not serve the 
purposes it now serves, in an undiluted state. 

Salts. All chemical compounds may be called salts although 
that name is commonly applied only to crystalline compounds. 

Acids. There are some salts, having strongly marked proper¬ 
ties, which are distinguished by special names, alluding to those 
properties. Such are the salts of hydrogen. Their most notice¬ 
able common property is their sharp taste and from the Latin 
word acer, meaning sharp, the name acid has been applied to 
them. 

The acids may be sufficiently described by relating their 
physical properties. Some are fluid and some solid. They 
are sour to the taste. They are more or less corrosive in their 
action on the skin and they turn blue litmus paper red. They 
unite with other elements to form salts. 

The acids most commonly met with in medicine are as follows: 


Acidum Aceticum H(C 2 H 3 0 2 ) Acetic Acid 

Obtained by the distillation of wood or by the oxidation of alcohol. 

It forms the class of salts called acetates. 

Acidum Arsenosum As 2 0 3 Arsenous Acid (Present Official 

Name Arsenic Trioxide) 

Obtained by roasting metallic arsenic. 

It forms the salts called arsenites. 

Acidum Boricum H 3 (B0 3 ) Boric Acid 

Obtained from borax (sodium borate). 

Acidum Citricum H 3 (C 6 H 5 07 ) Citric Acid 

Obtained from lemon or lime juice. 

It forms the salts called citrates. 

Acidum Hydriodicum (HI) Hydriodic Acid 

Obtained by chemical treatment from potassium iodide. 

It forms the salts called iodides. 

Acidum Hydrocyanicum H(CN) Hydrocyanic Acid (Prussic Acid) 
Obtained by decomposing animal substances in the presence of certain 
chemicals. 


CHEMISTRY AND THE OFFICIAL CHEMICALS. 


41 


It forms the salts called cyanides. 

Acidum Hydrochloricum (KC1) Hydrochloric Acid (Muriatic Acid) 

Obtained from sodium chloride by the action of sulphuric acid. 

It forms the salts called chlorides. 

Acidum Nitricum H(N0 3 ) Nitric Acid (Aqua Fortis) 

Obtained from potassium nitrate by the action of sulphuric acid. 

It forms the class of salts called nitrates. 

Acidum Sulphuricum H 2 (S0 4 ) Sulphuric Acid (Oil of Vitriol) 

Obtained by chemical treatment of sulphur. 

It forms the salts called sulphates. 

Acidum Oxalicum H 2 (C 2 0 4 ) Oxalic Acid 

Obtained from organic substances by chemical treatment. 

It forms the salts called oxalates. 

Acidum Tannicum H(Ci 4 H 9 0 9 ) Tannic Acid 

Obtained from an excrescence growing upon oak leaves. 

It forms the salts called tannates. 

Acidum Tartaricum (H 2 (C 4 H 4 06) Tartaric A.cid 

Obtained by chemical treatment of potassium bitartrate (cream tartar). 

It forms the class of salts called tartrates. 

THE SALTS OF THE ALKALI METALS. 

The hydrates of the alkali metals, potassium, sodium, ammo¬ 
nium and lithium, although they do not exhibit as well marked 
properties as the acids do, are sufficiently distinguished among 
chemicals to be classed by themselves on that account. 

While acids turn blue litmus paper red, alkalies restore the 
color again. Acids and alkalies neutralize each other, so that 
when the point of neutrality has been reached, they have no 
effect upon either red or blue litmus. They form salts with all 
the acids. 

Potassium. The element potassium is present in all veget¬ 
able structures and when the latter are burned the potassium 
is converted into potassium carbonate and is separated from 
the ashes by treatment with water. 

Potassium sulphate is also mined in several parts of the world 
and from these two sources all our various potassium com¬ 
pounds are obtained. 

From sodium chloride found in sea water and salt springs 
all the sodium compounds are obtained. 


42 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


Ammonia is not an element but a gas composed of nitrogen 
and hydrogen. It is one of the products obtained during the 
distillation of coal, in the manufacture of illuminating gas, and 
the ammonia salts are mostly obtained from this source. 

Lithium is found associated with the ores of some of the more 
common metals. 

Besides the salts mentioned as being formed by the acids al¬ 
ready named, the following lists of salts are formed either directly 
or indirectly by the acids following their names. 

Carbonates, from Carbonic Acid. 

Bicarbonates, from Carbonic Acid and Water. 

Bromides, from Hydrobromic Acid. 

Hypophosphites, from Hypophosphorous Acid. 

Permanganates, from Manganic Acid. 

THE OFFICIAL POTASSIUM SALTS ARE: 

Potassium.—Acetate. 

Bicarbonate. 

Bichromate. 

Bitartrate. 

Bromide. 

Carbonate. 

Chlorate. 

Citrate. 

Citrate, Effervescent. 

Cyanide. 

Ferrocyanide. 

Hypophosphite. 

Hydroxide. (Caustic Potash.) 

Iodide. 

Nitrate. 

Permanganate 

Sulphate. 

THE OFFICIAL SODIUM SALTS. 

Sodium.—Acetate. 

Arsenate. 

Benzoate. 

Bicarbonate. 

Bisulphate. 

Borate. 

Bromide. 


CHEMISTRY AND THE OFFICIAL CHEMICALS. 


43 


Carbonate. 

Carbonate, Dried. 

Chlorate. 

Chloride. 

Hypophosphite. 

Hyposulphite. 

Iodide. 

Nitrate. 

Nitrite. 

Phosphate. 

Phosphate, Effervescent. 

Pyrophosphate. 

Salicylate. 

Sulphate. 

Sulphite. 

Phenolsulphonate. (Sulphocarbolate.) 

THE OFFICIAL AMMONIUM SALTS. 

Ammonium.—Benzoate. 

Bromide. 

Carbonate. 

Chloride. 

Iodide. 

Valerate. 

Salicylate. 

THE OFFICIAL LITHIUM SALTS. 

Lithium.—Benzoate. 

Bromide. 

Carbonate. 

Citrate. 

Citrate, Effervescent. 

Salicylate. 

The alkaline earths are the native calcium, barium, stron¬ 
tium and magnesium carbonates. 


THE OFFICIAL CALCIUM SALTS. 

Calcium.—Bromide. 

Carbonate (Precipitated). 

Chloride. 

Hypophosphite. 

Phosphate (Precipitated). 

Oxide. (Lime.) 


44 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


THE OFFICIAL STRONTIUM SALTS. 

Strontium.—Bromide. 

Iodide. 

Salicylate. 

THE OFFICIAL MAGNESIUM SALTS. 

Magnesium.—Carbonate. 

Sulphate. (Epsom Salts.) 

Sulphate. Effervescent. 

Oxide. 

CERIUM, ZINC, ALUMINUM. 

These metals are all obtained from native ores. 

THE OFFICIAL SALT OF CERIUM. 
Cerium Oxalate. 

THE OFFICIAL SALTS OF ZINC. 

Zinc.—Acetate. 

Bromide. 

Carbonate (Precipitated). 

Chloride. 

Iodide. 

Oxide. 

Phenolsulphonate. (Sulphocarbolate.) 

Stearate. 

Sulphate. (White Vitriol.) 

Valerate. 

THE OFFICIAL ALUMINUM SALTS 

Aluminum and Potassium Sulphate. (Alum.) 
and Potassium Sulphate, Dried. 

Sulphate. 

Acetate, Solution of (Unofficial.) 

LEAD, SILVER, COPPER, BISMUTH. 

THE OFFICIAL LEAD SALTS. 

Lead.—Acetate. (Sugar of Lead.) 

Iodide. 

Oxide. 

Nitrate. 


CHEMISTRY AND THE OFFICIAL CHEMICALS. 


45 


THE OFFICIAL SILVER SALTS. 

Silver.—Nitrate. (Crystallized, Fused or Molded (Lunar Caustic.) 
Oxide. 

Cyanide. 


THE OFFICIAL COPPER SALT. 
Copper.—Sulphate. (Blue Vitriol. Blue Stone.) 

THE OFFICIAL BISMUTH SALTS. 

Bismuth and Ammonium Citrate. 

Salicylate. 

Subgallate. (Dermatol.) 

Subcarbonate. 

Subnitrate. 


MANAGANESE AND IRON. 

THE OFFICIAL SALTS OF MANGANESE. 

Manganese.—Dioxide. 

Sulphate. 

Hyposulphite. 

THE OFFICIAL IRON SALTS. 


Iron.—Carbonate. 

Chloride. 

Citrate. 

Hydrate. (Arsenical Antidote.) 
Hypophosphite. 

Iodide. 

Iron. (Powdered or Reduced Iron.) 
Phosphate. 

Sulphate. (Copperas.) (Green Vitriol.) 

and Ammonium Citrate. 

and Ammonium Tartrate. 

and Potassium Tartrate. 

and Quinine Citrate. 

and Strychnine Citrate. 

and Oxide. 

and Pyrophosphate. 

GOLD AND MERCURY. 

OFFICIAL GOLD SALTS. 
Gold and Sodium Chloride. 


46 MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 

OFFICIAL MERCURY SALTS. 

Mercury.—Ammoniated. (White Precipitate.) 

Chloride, Corrosive. (Corrosive Sublimate.) 
Chloride, Mild. (Calomel.) 

Iodide, Red. (Biniodide.) 

Iodide, Yellow. (Protiodide.) 

Oxide. (Red and Yellow.) 

ANTIMONY AND ARSENIC. 
OFFICIAL SALTS OF ANTIMONY. 
Antimony and Potassium Tartrate. (Tartar Emetic.) 

OFFICIAL ARSENIC SALTS. 


Arsenic.—Iodide. 

Trioxide. (Arsenous Acid.) 

QUESTIONS. 

Define chemistry. 

Define element. 

Name the elements, used as such in medicine, and give the symbol. 
Describe oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen. 

Define acid. 

Exercise in names of acids and the names of their corresponding salts. 
What are the names of the alkali metals? 

Give sources of potassium, sodium, ammonium and lithium. 

Name several of the salts of the several groups of metals. 


CHAPTER X. 


ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 

Under this heading are included some of the products and 
their derivatives of destructive distillation, and fermentation; 
the volatile and fixed oils; the glucosides and alkaloids and the 
products from ihe animal kingdom. 

Organic chemistry treats of those substances which exist 
naturally within the structures of animal and vegetable organ¬ 
isms. Quite a number of those used in medicine are obtained, 
directly or indirectly by the destructive distillation of wood, coal 
or coal oil. 

Destructive Distillation. When wood or coal is burned, the 
mineral substances they contain constitute the ashes. Many 
things, however, pass up the chimney; charcoal, tar, turpentine, 
acids, gases and water. If the draught is good, those things 
escape our notice, but they are perceptible to the senses of sight 
and smell if the draft is poor. If, instead of burning the wood 
or coal we place them in a retort and distill them, as we distill 
water, all those vaporized substances may be condensed and 
saved. They are very numerous and by treatment with all 
kinds of chemicals under various and sometimes extraordinary 
conditions of temperature, vacuity or high pressure, there are 
formed a great and constantly increasing number of com¬ 
pounds useful in the other arts and sciences as well as in 
medicine. As the substances distilled in this way are destroyed 
the process is spoken of as destructive distillation. 

Gossypium Purificatum Purified Cotton (Absorbent Cotton) 

Cotton is the hair from the seed of a plant growing in subtrop¬ 
ical countries. 


47 


48 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


It is treated with potash or soda lye, to free it from oil and 
adherent impurities. It is then washed with water to remove 
the lye. Hydrochloric acid is then added to neutralize all traces 
of potash or soda and finally it is washed in running water to re¬ 
move all traces of acid. It is then carded. 

When a wad of it is compressed in the hand and thrown upon 
the surface of w r ater, it should immediately absorb the latter 
and sink. And it should impart neither an acid nor an alkaline 
reaction to litmus paper. 

Pyroxylinum Pyroxylin (Gun Cotton) 

This product is obtained by the action of nitric and sulphuric 
acids upon cotton. 

By this operation, while the visual properties of the cotton 
remain about the same, its physical characteristics are con¬ 
siderably changed. 

The fibres lose their tenacity and become brittle. Cotton, 
when ignited, burns slowly, while gun cotton burns instantly 
and with explosive force. 

Cotton is insoluble in alcohol or ether or in a mixture of the 
two; gun cotton is dissolved by a mixture of the two. When 
so dissolved in the proportions directed by the Pharmacopoeia, 
it constitutes collodion. 

Acidum Oxalicum Oxalic Acid 

This acid is obtained by roasting together saw dust wdth potass¬ 
ium and sodium hydrate. 

There are numerous substances which resemble each other in 
appearance, yet differ in their physiological action. Bodies 
which thus agree in form, but differ in properties, are called 
isomorphous or equal in form. 

To the casual observer, oxalic acid, sulphate of zinc and 
epsom salt present a similar appearance. People unfamiliar 
with them have mistaken one for the other and many cases of 
poisoning in that way are recorded; and in handling epsom 


ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 49 

salt, one should always bear these facts in mind and make sure 
of its identity. 

Acidum Aceticum Acetic Acid 

Crosotum Creosote 

Both of these are products of the destructive distillation of 
wood, at different temperatures. 

Phenol Phenol (Carbolic Acid) 

Obtained by destructive distilliation, from coal. 


The following list of official substances described elsewhere, 
are directly or indirectly the products of the destructive distilla¬ 
tion of coal or of chemical treatment of those products. 


Acetanilidum 

Acetanilide 

Acetphenetidinun 

Acetphenetidin (Identical with 
Phenacetine) 

Betanaphthol 

Betanaphthol 

Cresol 

Cresol 

Guaiacol 

Guaiacol (From Wood Tar) 

Guaiacolis Carbonas 

Guaiacol Carbonate 

Methylthioninae Hydrochloridum 

Methylthionine Hydrochloride 
(Methylene Blue) 

Naphthalenum 

Naphthalene 

Resorcinol 

Resorcinol (Resorcin) 

Phenylis Salicylas 

Phenyl Salicylate (Salol) 

Sulphonethylmethanum 

Sulphonethylmethane (Identical 
with Trional) 

Sulphonmethanum 

Sulphonmethane (Identical with 
Sulfonal) 


PRODUCTS OF FERMENTATION. 

Starch under the influence of moisture and heat is converted 
into sugar and then into alcohol. 

Cane sugar, also, under the influence of fermentation germs, 
is converted into alcohol. 

Malt. When starchy grains, such as rye, corn, barley, etc., are 
moistened with water and stacked in a warm room, germination 
or sprouting ensues. At the proper time, the sprouting grain is 
dried and the starch will be found to have been converted into 
sugar, the product constituting what is known as malt. 

4 


So 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


Whiskey. If the malt is mixed with warm water and yeast, 
fermentation commences and the sugar is converted into an 
alcoholic liquid, which when separated from coloring matter by 
distillation constitutes whiskey, containing between 50 to 60 per 
cent, of alcohol. 

Extract Malt. When malt is percolated with water, liquid 
extract of malt is produced and the thin liquid extract, when 
evaporated at a low temperature to the consistence of honey, 
yields the thick malt extract. This is rich in diastase which is 
capable of digesting starch. 

Wine. When grape or other fruit juices containing sugar 
are exposed to a temperature of 70° to 75 0 F., the fermentation 
germs present convert the sugar to alcohol and the product is 
called wine. The quantity of alcohol present depends upon the 
quantity of sugar in the juice used, and varies from 5 to 20 per 
cent, or even more. 

Brandy. When wine is subjected to distillation, the alcoholic 
liquid distilled over, is called brandy. It contains about 50 per 
cent, alcohol. Both brandy and whiskey are colorless when first 
obtained and are afterwards colored by caromel or other inert 
substance. 

Fractional Distillation. Whiskey consists of about 50 per 
cent, alcohol and 50 per cent, water. Alcohol distills at a 
temperature of 170° F. or less—while water requires a tem¬ 
perature of 212 0 F. So that when whiskey or any other 
alcoholic liquid is heated to a temperature of 170° F. and not al¬ 
lowed to rise above that degree, the alcohol is distilled while the 
water is left behind. 

Alcohol. In such a manner, alcohol of commerce is ob¬ 
tained from whiskey. 

Gin is obtained in the same way whiskey is, from grain, ex¬ 
cept that juniper berries are added before distillation, and 
they impart their flavor to the product. 


ORGANIC CHEMISTRY. 


51 


Rum is the alcoholic distillate from fermented molasses. 

VOLATILE AND FIXED OILS. 

A great many vegetable drugs owe their peculiar odor and 
flavor to a volatile oil contained in them. The common spices 
such as cinnamon and clove and the common herbs, peppermint 
and wintergreen, are familiar examples. 

The oil may be separated in a number of ways. 

If the drug in question is soft, like orange or lemon peel, it may 
be crushed out. 

In other instances, as in cinnamon bark, the bark is placed 
in a still with water and the oil and water distill together. The 
oil being lighter than the w r ater, floats on the surface from 
whence it is drawn off. 

From these volatile oils, the spirits or essences are made by 
dissolving them in alcohol, and also the aromatic waters by 
dissolving them in water. 

Fixed Oils and Fats. They are called fixed because they are 
not volatile but permanent on exposure to air. They are derived 
from both the vegetable and animal kingdoms and some are 
fluid while others are solid or semi-solid at ordinary temperatures. 

Soaps and glycerin are obtained from fats and oils, and to 
understand how, it must be remembered that fats and soaps 
and glycerin are well defined salts, capable of being decomposed 
just as chemicals of ordinary appearance are. 

In this connection there are two acids known as oleic and 
stearic acids and a base known as glyceryl. As a rule, the 
liquid fats are composed of oleic acid and glyceryl and are 
glyceryl oleate, while the solid fats are composed of stearic acid 
and glyceryl and are glyceryl stearate. Glycerin is glyceryl 
hydrate. 

Glycerin. When fats or oils of any kind are heated with 
potash or soda and water, they are mutually decomposed and 


5 2 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


oleate or stearate of potassium and sodium or soaps are formed, 
together with glyceryl hydrate or glycerin. 

Hard soaps are made from soda. 

Soft soaps are made from potash. 

GLUCOSIDES AND ALKALOIDS. 

The glucosides are the active principles of the drugs in which 
they are found. In appearance they resemble the alkaloids, 
being crystalline in their nature, and like them they are powerful 
in their action upon the animal organism. 

Digitalin, one of the active principles of digitalis leaves is the 
most important one. 

Alkaloids. The word means like an alkali in allusion to the 
fact that like alkalies, they form salts with acids. 

They are the active principles of the drugs in which they are 
found. Sometimes a drug contains but one alkaloid; but fre¬ 
quently there are several. All of them act energetically and 
many of them are violent poisons. 

The English names of the glucosides terminate in i-n, while 
those of the alkaloids terminate in i-n-e. Such familiar substances 
as quinine, morphine, codeine, cinchonidine are alkaloids. They 
are mentioned under the headings of the drugs from which 
they are derived, in the section on therapeutics. 

QUESTIONS. 

Define organic chemistry. 

Describe the process of destructive distillation. 

How is cotton purified? 

What is its official name ? 

How does gun cotton differ from cotton? 

What substances resemble oxalic acid? 

Name some of the official derivatives of coal tar. 

Name the products of the fermentation of starch and sugar. 

How are whiskey, brandy and alcohol obtained? 

How are volatile oils separated from the drugs containing them ? 

What are soaps and glycerin obtained from? 

Define glucoside. 

Define alkaloid. 


CHAPTER XI. 


ALTERATIVES. 

Drugs which appear to improve the nutritive processes of 
the body and thereby alleviate or cure diseases of a chronic 
type are called alteratives. 

Iodine and the Iodides Cod-liver Oil 

Mercury Colchicum 

Arsenic Ichthyol 

Gold 

Iodum—Iodine —obtained mostly from the ashes of sea¬ 
weed. Occurs as bluish-black, dry scales. Dose, grain 

Preparations .—Liquor iodi compositus, compound solution of 
iodine (LugoPs solution). Dose, 3 np. Tinctura iodi, tincture of 
iodine (7 per cent.). Dose, i£ np Unguentum iodi, iodine oint¬ 
ment. Churchill’s tincture of iodine, largely used in gynecol¬ 
ogy, is composed of iodine 5, potassium iodide 1, water 8 and 
alcohol 24. 

Uses .—Iodine is used principally externally as a counter- 
irritant, in the form of the tincture. The tincture is also used 
to some extent as a parasiticide in certain skin affections. 

Internally the effect of iodine is obtained chiefly from using 
the iodides of potash and soda. 

Potassii iodidum—potassium iodide —obtained by dissolving 
iodine in a hot solution of potassa and evaporating; occurs as 
colorless, cubical crystals or a white granular powder. Dose, 
5-60 grs. or more. 

Preparations .—Unguentum potassii iodidi, ointment of potass¬ 
ium iodide. 

Sodii iodidum—sodium iodide —obtained by dissolving iodine 

53 


54 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


in a hot solution of soda and evaporating; occurs as colorless, 
cubical crystals or white granular powder. Dose, 5 to 60 grs. or 
more. 

Uses .—The iodides find their chief use in the late stage of 
syphilis. The potassium salt is the one commonly given. It 
is given in solution, often in 50 per cent, solution, one minim 
representing J grain of the drug. The dose is usually gradually 
increased. In small, long-continued doses the iodides are also 
given for chronic lead and mercury poisonings, in arterio¬ 
sclerosis, chronic rheumatism, asthma and enlarged glands. 

Hydrargyrum—mercury (quicksilver). Found in native 
ore as the sulphide; occurs as a heavy silver-white, shining 
fluid. Preparations in common use prepared from the metal 
itself are: Unguentum hydrargyni—mercurial or blue ointment. 
Massa hydrargyri—mass of mercury or blue mass. Dose, 4 
grains. Hydrargyri cum creta—mercury with chalk or grey 
powder. Dose, 4 grains. The compounds of mercury are 
numerous. Among the most important may be mentioned: 
Hydrargyri chloridum corrosivum (corrosive sublimate, mer¬ 
curic chloride). Dose, 27 g r - Hydrargyri chloridum mite 
(calomel). 1 to 2 grains. Hydrargyri iodidum rubrum (mer¬ 
cury biniodide or red iodide of mercury). Dose, gr. Hydrargyri 
iodidum flavum (mercury protiodide or yellow iodide of mer¬ 
cury). Dose, -5- grain. Hydrargyrum ammoniatum (ammo- 
niated mercury or white precipitate). 

Actions .—Mercury and its salts are readily absorbed by the 
skin, so that characteristic effects can be produced by inunctions. 
The metal in the form of unguentum hydrargyri and many of 
the salts, as the ammoniated mercury and the bichloride, are 
antiparasitic. Some of the salts, and particularly the bichloride, 
are actively germicidal. Internally mercury and its salts have 
a purgative action. The more soluble compounds, as the bi¬ 
chloride and the white precipitate, in toxic doses are marked 


ALTERATIVES. 


55 


gastro-intestinal irritants, causing great pain, vomiting and 
diarrhea. Mercury or its salts given continuously produces a 
condition called “ mercurialism.” In this, there is fetor of the 
breath, soreness of the gums, and salivation. The gums swell, 
bleed easily, the teeth are loose and may drop out, ulcers appear, 
the tongue swells and necrosis of the jaw may follow. 

Uses .—Mercury in most any of its forms is used extensively 
in the treatment of syphilis. Solutions of the salts, particularly 
the bichloride, are very commonly used in surgery, in sterilizing 
skin surfaces before operation. Calomel and blue mass are 
reliable purgatives. Unguentum hydrargyri and ointment made 
with the ammoniated mercury are much used in parasitic skin 
affections. 

Arsenum—arsenic. Arsenous acid only, and its salts are 
used in medicine. 

Arsenic trioxidum—arsenous trioxide. Arsenous acid or 
white arsenic is obtained by roasting arsenical ores. It occurs 
as an opaque, white powder, or as irregular masses which may 
be either amorphous, transparent and colorless, or crystalline 
and opaque or white. Dose, yy to yy grs. 

Preparations .— Liquor potassii arsenitis—solution of potassium 
arsenite (Fowler’s solution), which contains i per cent, arsenous 
acid. Doses, i to io rq. Sodii arsenas—sodium arsenate—occur¬ 
ring in colorless, transparent crystals. Dose, yy to yy gr. And 
liquor sodii arsenatis—solution of sodium arsenate (Pearson’s 
solution) also i per cent. Dose, i-iorq. 

Arseni iodidum—arsenous iodide —occurs as orange-red, 
crystalline masses or scales. Dose, yy to yy gr. 

Preparations .—Liquor arseni et hydrargyri iodidi—solution 
of arsenous and mercuric iodides (Donovan’s solution) containing 
i per cent, of each. Dose, i-iorq. 

Actions .—When applied to denuded surfaces and mucous 
membranes, arsenic trioxide has a slow caustic action. Taken 


56 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


in toxic doses any of the arsenic preparations produces an in¬ 
tense gastro-enteritis with symptoms closely resembling those 
of Asiatic cholera. In small doses, arsenic is a gastric stimulant, 
increases appetite and digestion, and improves nutrition gener¬ 
ally. 

Uses .—It is given in the anaemias—often combined with 
iron—in chronic malaria with enlargement of liver and spleen, 
in some forms of chronic joint disease, in chronic skin affections 
and in various other chronic conditions. 

Aurum—gold — is administered only as the chloride. 
Auri et sodii chloridum —gold and sodium chloride; occurs 
as an odorless, orange-yellow powder. Dose, -g^ to T V gr. 

Actions .—Small doses are supposed to improve appetite and 
digestion. Large doses produce poisoning similar to that of 
mercuric chloride. 

Uses .—Similar to that of the iodides. Much less frequently 
used than formerly. 

Oleum morrhuae — cod-liver oil — is obtained from the 
fresh livers of the common cod-fish. It is a pale yellow liquid, 
having a slightly fishy taste and odor. Dose, i to 4 drams. 

Preparations .—Emulsum olei morrhuae — emulsion of cod- 
liver oil. Dose, 1 to 2 drams. 

Actions .—Externally the oil is emollient to the skin, and is ab¬ 
sorbed by it. Internally when it can be borne by the stomach at 
all, it is readily absorbed and acts as an excellent food. 

Uses .—In wasting diseases in both children and adults it can 
be given by inunctions. The disagreeable taste can be partly 
disguised by mixing with thick malt extract or by making an 
emulsion. In all chronic conditions marked by poor nutrition, 
the oil is a useful remedy. 

Colchicum—meadow saffron— is a plant growing in central 
and southern Europe. The corm and the seed are used in medi¬ 
cine. From the corm comes the extractum colchici cormi, dose gr. i ; 


ALTERATIVES. 


57 


from the seed fluidextractum, dose i to 5 ; tinctura colchici 
seminis, dose 10 to 30111 and vinum colchici seminis, 
dose 10 to 30 np. An active principle, colchicine, is also used in 
doses of yj-g- gr. 

Actions .—In large doses, colchicum is a gastro-intestinal ir¬ 
ritant. It is supposed to increase the flow of bile. 

Used .—Almost exclusively in the treatment of gout. 

Ichthyol (unofficial). Ichthyol is obtained by distilling 
a bituminous quartz, containing fossil remains of fish, with con¬ 
centrated sulphuric acid. It occurs as a reddish-brown syrupy 
liquid. Dose, 10-20 up. 

Actions .—Ichthyol is slightly antiseptic; mildly irritant to the 
skin. Applied externally it is said to cause the absorption of 
inflammatory products. 

Uses .—It is used chiefly in ointments in from 20-50 per cent, 
strength, as a local application in chronic skin affections and 
erysipelas. It is given internally in capsules or pills for chronic 
intestinal indigestion and in various chronic diseases—including 
rheumatism and syphilis. 


QUESTIONS. 


Define the term alterative. 

Name all the alterative drugs. 

How does iodine occur? 

Name the official preparations. 

What are the uses of the iodides? 

Latin name of mercury. 

Name the preparations of metallic mercury. 

Give the action and uses of mercury and its salts. 

Name the official preparations of arsenic and their doses. 
Give its action and uses. 

What is ichthyol obtained from ? 

What is its action, use and dose ? 



CHAPTER XII. 


ANESTHETICS. 

These are of two kinds—local and general. 

Local anesthetics are agents which diminish the sensibility 
of the terminations of sensory nerves. 

The chief ones are: 

Cocaine Carbolic Acid 

Extreme Cold 

General anesthetics are agents which cause a total loss of 
consciousness and the pain sense and the abolition of reflexes. 
Those most used are: 

Ether Nitrous Oxide 

Chloroform Ethyl Chloride 

Erythroxylon 

Coca—coca —of which cocaine is an alkaloid, comes from 
the leaves of a tree growing in South America. It must not be 
confounded with cocoa, a fruit from which we make the drink 
of that name. 

Preparations .—Fluidextractum cocae, dose 30 rr^: vinum cocas, 
dose 1 to 45, and cocaine, dose | to 2 grs. 

Actions .—The action of coca is chiefly that of its alkaloid, 
cocaine. 

Cocainae hydrochloridum—cocaine hydrochloride, dose \ 
to 2 grs. On mucous membranes or subcutaneously it produces 
complete local anesthesia. Because of this action it will some¬ 
times allay the vomiting of gastric irritability. A solution 
of cocaine instilled into the eye produces anesthesia of the 
cornea and conjunctiva and dilatation of the pupil. Cocaine 

58 


ANESTHETICS. 


59 


stimulates the higher centers of the brain; muscular power 
is increased. Large doses cause an exaggeration of reflexes 
and finally convulsions and collapse. Death takes place from 
failure of respiration. Such severe symptoms have arisen from 
injections of cocaine into the urethra or under the skin. In 
chronic poisoning by cocaine, the mental faculties are quickly 
affected. The patient is troubled with unpleasant delusions, 
the feeling that worms are crawling beneath the skin being a 
very common one. 

Uses .—Solutions of cocaine of 5 to 10 per cent, in strength may 
be used beneath the skin for local anesthesia, or applied to 
mucous membranes in operating on the eye, nose, throat or ear, 
urethra, vagina or rectum. Schleich’s solutions are weak 
solutions of cocaine, morphine hydrochloride and sodium chlo¬ 
ride in sterilized distilled water or saturated boric acid solution. 
When these are used for skin infiltration, the resulting anesthesia 
is largely mechanical—from the distension of the tissue by the 
fluid. 

Phenol—carbolic acid —is obtained from coal-tar by dis¬ 
tillation. It occurs in two forms, the crude which is a black 
oily liquid, having a distinct tarry odor; and the pure, which is a 
colorless or slightly pinkish, transparent, oily liquid having the 
characteristic odor of carbolic acid. When free from water and 
in a moderately cool atmosphere, the pure acid forms masses 
of colorless or pinkish needle-like crystals. 

Preparations .—Glyceritum phenolis—glycerite of phenol. 
Dose, 2 to 5 rt|; and unguentum phenolis—ointment of phenol— 
5 per cent. 

Actions .—Phenol is a powerful antiseptic. Applied to the 
skin in weak or moderately strong solutions it produces a feeling 
of numbness; concentrated, it acts as a caustic. Internally in 
concentration the acid forms white eschars in the mouth, esoph¬ 
agus and stomach, and causes a violent gastro-enteritis. 


6o 


MATERTA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


It is generally rapidly fatal. In doses of J to 2 ll l it will often 
relieve the vomiting of gastric irritation. Alcohol neutralizes 
the effect of carbolic acid whether taken internally or applied 
externally. 

Uses .—Very largely as an antiseptic in strengths of from 1 to 
200 to 1 to 20. Its anesthetic properties are rarely made use of. 
It is given in certain cases to relieve vomiting. 

Extreme cold is often made use of, to produce anesthesia for 
minor operations. A mixture of salt and ice was formerly em¬ 
ployed, but at present the cold produced by the evaporation of 
ethyl chloride applied in a fine spray is most commonly 
used. 

Ethylis chloridum—ethyl chloride —is a colorless, very vola¬ 
tile liquid. It is supplied commercially in glass or metal tubes 
having a finely perforated nozzle. When applied to the skin 
or mucous membranes in a fine spray the part is frozen by the 
rapid evaporation, producing sufficient anesthesia for minor 
surgical operations. Recently it has been used to some extent 
as a general anesthetic. 

^ther—sulphuric ether—is a colorless, volatile, very in¬ 
flammable liquid, obtained by distilling alcohol with sulphuric 
acid. Its vapor is heavier than air so that it may be used 
safely in rooms where there are fire lights if the lights are high. 
Dose, 5 to 60 rt\. 

Actions .—If applied to the skin and evaporation prevented, 
ether is irritant. Taken internally or inhaled in moderate doses, 
it is a stimulant to the heart and respiration. In excessive doses, 
however, respiration is paralyzed and the heart depressed. If 
inhaled in sufficient amount it produces general anesthesia with 
a gradual lessening and final abolition of all reflexes. Ether 
is a prompt carminative, causing dilatation of the gastric vessels, 
and increased secretion of the glands. 

Uses .—Ether is used largely as a general anesthetic by in- 


ANESTHETICS. 


61 


halation. It is given internally in colic and flatulency, and, 
because of its stimulating properties, is employed in fainting, 
palpitation and heart failure. 

Chloroformum—chloroform— is a heavy, clear, colorless, 
non-inflammable liquid. It is obtained by distilling alcohol 
with chlorinated lime. Dose, 2 to 20 rrp 

Preparations .—Aqua chloroformi—chloroform water (J of 1 
percent.). Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. Emulsum chloroformi—emul¬ 
sion of chloroform (4 per cent.) Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. Spiritus 
chloroformi—spirits of chloroform (6 per cent.). Dose, J to 1 
fl. dr. Linimentum chloroformi—chloroform liniment—which 
consists of J chloroform and § soap liniment. 

Actions .—If rubbed into the skin, chloroform produces 
heat and redness. If confined under a watch-glass or close ban¬ 
dage, it will cause a blister. Internally it is irritant to the mucous 
membrane. Small doses are sedative to the nervous system. 
Given by inhalation, chloroform produces anesthesia. Its use 
is attended with much more danger than is the use of ether, be¬ 
cause of its depressing effect on the heart. The anesthesia is 
quieter and there is much less vomiting afterwards. 

Uses .—Principally as an anesthetic. Chloroform water is much 
used as a vehicle to disguise the taste of various drugs. Chloro¬ 
form or the spirits of chloroform is often added to cough mix¬ 
tures for its sedative effect. Drop doses of chloroform in water 
or on sugar will often relieve the vomiting from an inflamed 
stomach. 

Nitrous oxide—nitrogen monoxide or laughing gas —is the 

oldest known general anesthetic. At ordinary temperature and 
pressure it is a colorless, almost odorless gas, of a sweetish taste. 
Commercially it is supplied in metal cylinders into which it 
has been forced under pressure. 

Actions .—Inhaled through a close fitting mask it produces 
complete unconsciousness in from J to 3 minutes; the state 


62 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


lasting, however, for a very short time. During anesthesia, the 
patient’s face is bloated and sometimes intensely livid. 

Uses .—Nitrous oxide is the safest of the general anesthetics 
and is, therefore, used extensively in dentistry and for short 
surgical procedures. It is often given also as a preliminary 
to the administration of ether. 

Ethyl chloride is described under local anesthetics. 

QUESTIONS. 


Define anesthetic. 

Define local anesthetic. 

Name all the drugs used as anesthetics. 
What is cocaine the active principle of? 
Describe its action and uses. 

Give the action of carbolic acid. 

Action of ether, of chloroform. 

Dose of each. 


CHAPTER XIII. 


ANT-ACIDS. 

Drugs which will counteract acidity in the stomach are called 
ant-acids. 

Sodium Bicarbonate Magnesia 

Lime Water Ammonia 

Sodii bicarbonas—sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)— 

is prepared by passing carbon dioxide through a solution of 
sodium carbonate. This familiar substance usually comes to us 
in the form of a fine white powder. Dose, 5 to 60 grs. 

Actions .—Baking soda excites a flow of gastric juice, if given 
before a meal. Given after a meal it neutralizes the acids pres¬ 
ent in the stomach. In solution, applied externally it will often 
relieve itching. 

Uses .—Chiefly in gastric fermentation to relieve excessive 
acidity. 

Liquor calcis—solution of lime—lime water —is made by 
dissolving slaked lime in water. It contains about 12 grains of 
calcium hydroxide to the pint. Dose 1 to 8 drams. Lime 
in this form is readily decomposed by exposure to the air. 
Lime w r ater is easily prepared by slaking a piece of quicklime 
as large as an egg by pouring a cupful of water upon it, and allow¬ 
ing it to stand until the heat which is generated has passed off. 
The water is then poured off from the milky sediment and from 
a quart to a gallon of fresh water is added. It is unnecessary 
to be exact as to the amount, for the water will only dissolve a 
limited quantity. Allow the coarse lumps to settle to the bottom 
and pour off the milky fluid. This latter as soon as it has settled 
clear is lime water. It must not be filtered, for the white sedi- 

63 


64 


MATERIA MED 1 CA FOR NURSES. 


ment of undissolved lime is necessary for keeping up the strength 
of the solution. 

Actions .—Externally lime water is mildly astringent. In¬ 
ternally it is astringent and ant-acid. It also acts as a gastric 
sedative. 

Uses .—Lime water will sometimes relieve the itching of certain 
skin affections. A mixture of lime water and linseed oil, called 
carron oil, has been much used as a dressing for burns. Internally 
lime water is used to relieve vomiting, is given with milk to render 
it slightly alkaline, and as a mild ant-acid. Lime water with 
the sediment given in oxalic acid poisoning, will neutralize the 
poison by forming calcium oxalate which is insoluble. 

Ammonium—ammonia —occurs in the form of a gas and is 
one of the products of the distillation of coal. All the various 
salts of ammonia are made from this gas. 

Preparations. — Aqua ammoniae fortior (stronger ammonia 
water) which is a 28 per cent, solution by weight of the gas 
dissolved in water. Spiritus ammoniae (spirit of ammonia) which 
contains 10 per cent, of the gas by weight dissolved in alcohol. 
Dose, 10 to 60 rq. Aqua ammoniae (ammonia water or am¬ 
monia) which contains 10 per cent, of the gas dissolved in water. 
Dose, 10 to 20 rq. Ammonii carbonas (ammonium carbonate, 
hartshorn or sal volatile). Dose, 2 to 15 grs. Spiritus ammoniae 
aromaticus (aromatic spirits of ammonia). Dose, J to 2 fl. dr. 
Ammonii chloridum (ammonium chloride or sal ammoniac). 
Dose, 1 to 30 grs. Liquor ammonii acetatis (solution of ammo¬ 
nium acetate or spirit of mindererus). Dose, 2 to 8 fl. dr. 

Actions. —Externally, solutions of ammonia produce redness and 
heat, and if very strong will cause pain and burning. If ammonia 
is inhaled, the pulse and respiration are stimulated. Internally 
the water, the carbonate and the spirit act as alkalies and hence 
are ant-acid. All the preparations of ammonia and especially 
the carbonate and the chloride are stimulant expectorants. 


ANT-ACIDS. 65 

The spirit of mindererus increases perspiration and the out¬ 
put of urine. 

Uses .—The ammonia preparations are perhaps more widely 
used as stimulant expectorants, cardiac stimulants and diuretics, 
than as ant-acids. An unofficial compressed tablet, known as 
soda mint, is the most popular form in which ammonia is used for 
its ant-acid properties. The soda-mint tablet is a mixture of 
ammonium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate and oil of spear¬ 
mint. 

Magnesium oxide (magnesia) and magnesium carbonate 
are both described under cathartics. 


ANTHELMINTICS. 


Agents used to kill or expel parasitic worms of the intestinal 
tract. 


Santonin 

Chenopodium 

Spigelia 

Pepo 

Aspidium 


Pomegranate 

Turpentine 

Quassia 

Tannin 


Santonin is a neutral principle from santonica (Levant 
worm-seed), the dried unexpanded flow y er head of a plant 
growing in Asia. Dose, \ to 1 gr. 

Actions .—Santonin removes the round worms which some¬ 
times inhabit the small bowel. Even small doses turn the urine 
a saffron color and may affect the eyes, giving everything a yellow 
hue. Large doses may cause epileptiform convulsions. 

Uses .—Santonin is given for round worms, in powder form, 
usually with sugar of milk. The dose should be followed in 
2 or 3 hours by a purge. 

Chenopodium—American worm-seed —is the fruit of a plant 
growing in the West Indies, Central America, and the United 
States. Dose 10 to 20 grs. 

5 


66 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


Preparations. —Oleum chenopodii—oil of chenopodium—ob¬ 
tained by distillation. Dose, 2 to iorrp 

Actions. —Like santonin, chenopodium acts on the roundworm. 

Uses. —The oil may be given in capsules or in emulsion, or 
simply dropped on sugar. The dose should be repeated before 
meals, for two days, then followed by a cathartic. 

Spigelia—pink root —is the root of a plant growing in our 
southern states. Dose, f to 2 dr. 

Preparations. —Fluidextractum spigeliae—fluidextract of spi¬ 
gelia. Dose, | to 2 fl. dr. 

Actions. —Like the above two drugs, it removes round worms. 
Large doses are toxic, producing various cerebral symptoms— 
even stupor and convulsions. 

Uses. —As an anthelmintic, it should be given with or followed 
shortly by a purge. The fluidextract is the form usually given. 
It is frequently combined with senna. 

Pepo — pumpkin seed —the seed of the common pumpkin. 
Dose, 1 to 3 oz. 

Actions. —Pepo is effective against the tape-worm. 

Uses. —It is best given in emulsion and should be followed 
in a few hours by a purge. As a household remedy it may 
be prepared as follows: Bruise, 2 oz. of the fresh seed in a 
mortar with 8 oz. of water until the husks are loosened and an 
emulsion formed. Strain and take the whole amount fasting. 

Aspidium — male fern. The root is used medicinally. 
Dose, i to 1 dr. 

Preparations. —Oleoresina aspidii—oleoresin of aspidium. 
Dose, \ to 1 fl. dr. This is the preparation of the drug always 
given. 

Actions. —Aspidium is a direct poison to the tape-worm. 
It must be used with caution because even moderately large 
doses sometimes cause nausea, vomiting, purging, abdominal 
pain, muscular weakness, coma and collapse. 


ANTHELMINTIC. 


67 


Uses .—In the treatment of tape-worm it is given in capsules, 
emulsion or with some simple bitter like gentian. Castor 
oil or other oils should not be given as cathartics after aspid- 
ium because of the danger of increasing absorption and thus 
causing toxic symptoms. 

Granatum—pomegranate —is the bark of the root and stem 
of a small tree growing in subtropical countries. Dose, \ to ij 
dr. Its anthelmintic action is supposed by some to be due 
to pelletierine, a mixture of its active principles. 

Preparations. — Pelletierine tannas — pelletierine tannate. 
Dose, 3 to 5 grs. 

Actions .—Pomegranate itself is apt to produce vomiting and 
purging, and on this account is seldom or never given. Pellet¬ 
ierine on the other hand has no such unpleasant effects and is 
one of the most reliable anthelmintics. 

Uses .—Pelletierine is given to kill tape-worm. It is usually 
administered in capsules and should be preceded and followed 
by a purgative. 

Terebinthina—turpentine —is an oleo-resin obtained from 
several varieties of pine. From this is obtained by distillation, 
oleum terebinthinae—oil of turpentine or spirit of turpentine— 
which is a thin colorless liquid having a characteristic odor and 
taste. 

Preparations .—Oleum terebinthinae rectificatum—rectified 
oil of turpentine. Dose, 5 to 30 np. Emulsum olei tere¬ 
binthinae—emulsion of oil of turpentine. Dose, 1 fl. dr. Lin- 
imentum terebinthinae—turpentine liniment. 

Actions. —Externally, turpentine acts as a counterirritant. 
Internally it causes a feeling of warmth and stimulates the heart 
reflexly. It is carminative and in large doses cathartic. It is 
irritating to the genito-urinary tract. Moderate doses may 
cause hematuria or even complete suppression. In doses of 
from 1 to 8 dr. it is anthelmintic. 


68 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


Uses. —Externally as a counterirritant. Internally it may 
be given in emulsion or on lump sugar as a carminative. Be¬ 
cause of its irritating qualities, it is a valuable addition to 
enemata. The large dose required in the treatment of tape¬ 
worm, is apt to produce dangerous symptoms. For this reason 
castor oil should be combined with it or given promptly after¬ 
ward. 

Quassia—quassia —is the wood of a tree growing in Jamaica. 

Preparations. —Extractum quassiae—extract of quassia. Dose, 
i to 3 gr. Fluidextractum quassiae—fluidextract of quassia. 
Dose, J to i fl. dr. Tinctura quassiae—tincture of quassia. 
Dose, J to 2 fl. dr. 

Actions. —By mouth, quassia acts as a bitter tonic. Injected 
per rectum it is efficient against seat-worms. 

Uses. —The tonic effect of quassia may be obtained by drink¬ 
ing water allowed to stand for several hours in a cup turned out 
of quassia wood. In the treatment of seat-worms, half a pint 
of the infusion is injected into the rectum and retained for 
several minutes. The infusion is made by pouring a pint of 
hot water over an ounce or more of the wood and allowing it 
to stand until cold. 

Acidum tannicum—tannic acid or tannin —is a yellowish- 

white substance obtained by treating nut-gall (an excrescence 
growing upon the leaves of certain varieties of oak) with ether 
and water. It is the active principle common to almost all 
astringent vegetable drugs. 

Preparations. —Collodium stypticum—styptic collodion. Glyc- 
eritum acidi tannici—glycerite of tannic acid. Unguentum 
acidi tannici—ointment of tannic acid. 

Actions. —Locally tannic acid causes a contraction of tissues 
and constriction of blood-vessels, and is therefore astringent 
and hemostatic. 

Uses. —Chiefly as an astringent in the form of the glycerite, 


ANTHELMINTIC. 


69 


to relaxed or chronically inflamed tissues. In the form of a 
weak infusion with glycerine and water it is effective against 
seat-worms. 


QUESTIONS. 


Define ant-acid. 

Name the ant-acid drugs, and give their actions and doses. 
What is spirit of turpentine obtained from ? 

What is its official name and dose as an anthelmintic? 

In what forms is tannic acid used internally? 


CHAPTER XIV. 


ANTISEPTICS. 

Drugs which prevent the growth of or destroy the germs of 

disease, putrefaction or fermentation. 

Bichloride of Mercury Alcohol 
Boric Acid Hydrogen Peroxide 

Creolin Potassium Permanganate 

Lysol Carbolic Acid 

Liquor Cresolis Compositus 

Hydrargyri chloridum corrosivum—corrosive mercuric 
chloride—bichloride of mercury —occurs as colorless crystals 
or crystalline masses. It is soluble in water, alcohol and ether. 
For use in making solutions it usually comes in tablet form, 
the tablets often containing coloring matter to guard against 
poisoning. Dose, -g- 1 ^ to T y gr. 

Actions .—Bichloride is a powerful germicide. Even the 
weakest solutions will inhibit the growth of micro-organisms. 
Taken internally in poisonous doses it causes violent pains 
in the stomach, vomiting, purging, collapse and death. 

Uses .—As an antiseptic for cleansing hands, the surfaces of 
the body and various utensils, it is used in strengths of from i 
to 10,000 to i to 1000. Because of the amalgam formed it 
should not be used on metal. It is sometimes the form of 
mercury given in the primary and secondary stages of syphilis. 

Antidotes .—The bichloride forms an insoluble compound with 
albuminous substances. In case of poisoning, therefore, the whites 
of several eggs should be given and the stomach pump used. 

Acidum boricum—boric or boracic acid —is found 
native in Tuscany, but is largely produced by the action of 
hydrochloric acid on borax. It occurs as colorless scales 

70 


ANTISEPTICS. 


71 


having a pearly lustre, or in fine white powder. One part in 
25 of water makes a saturated (4 per cent.) solution. Dose, 
5 to 15 grs. 

Preparations .—Glyceritum boroglycerinum—glycerite of boro- 
glycerine. Unguentum acidi borici—ointment of boric acid 
(10 per cent.). Sodii boras—sodium borate or borax. Dose, 5 
to 30 gr. 

Actions .—Boric acid is mildly antiseptic and mildly astringent. 
Taken internally, borax and boric acid are excreted mainly 
by the kidneys. The former renders the urine alkaline, the 
latter, acid. 

Uses .—Borax and boric acid are useful where mildly anti¬ 
septic, cleansing solutions are needed as in the eye, the nasal 
cavities or the bladder. They are both used fraudulently to a 
large extent in the preservation of food-stuffs. Boric acid 
enters into the well-known Thiersch solution, which consists 
of boric acid 12 parts, salicylic acid 2 parts and water 1000. 

Creolinum—creolin (not official)—is derived from the dry 
distillation of coal. It is a dark brown, syrupy liquid, having a 
characteristic odor. It forms a turbid, milky mixture with water. 

Actions .—Creolin is a fairly powerful, non-irritating antisep¬ 
tic, less poisonous than carbolic acid. 

Uses .—As an antiseptic in strengths of from 2 per cent. up. 

Lysolum—lysol, crude cresylic acid (not official)—is 
derived from tar oil by dissolving in fat and saponifying with 
alcohol or by mixing with solution of soap. It is a brown, oily 
looking, clear liquid having a characteristic, disagreeable odor; 
soluble in water in all proportions and giving a clear, frothy 
saponaceous solution. 

Actions .—It is mildly antiseptic. 

Uses .—As an antiseptic, in solutions of from \ to 2 per cent, 
in strength. Because of its lubricating properties it is especially 
useful in gynecology and obstetrics. 


72 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


Liquor cresolis compositus is an official form of the above 
two and used for the same purposes. 

Alcohol—alcohol, ethyl alcohol, spirit of wine —is ob¬ 
tained by distilling whiskey. The common alcohol is spoken 
of as 95 per cent., though it really contains but about 90 per 
cent, of ethyl alcohol, the remaining 10 per cent, being water. 
Alcohol is a colorless, volatile liquid having an agreeable odor 
and burning taste. 

Preparations .—Alcohol dilutum—dilute alcohol—proof spirit 
by mixing equal parts of alcohol and water—containing about 
40 per cent, ethyl alcohol and 60 per cent, water. Alcohol ab- 
solutum—absolute alcohol—which contains not more than 1 
per cent, of water. 

Actions .—Alcohol has marked antiseptic properties and these 
are most noticeable in solutions of from 50 to 70 per cent. 
Applied to bruises or other seats of inflammation, it makes an 
excellent evaporating lotion. It hardens tissue by extracting 
water from it. Internally it acts at first as a stimulant to the 
nervous system, later it paralyzes. Large doses are pois¬ 
onous. 

Uses .—It is used to a considerable extent in surgery in solu¬ 
tions of from 50 to 70 per cent, strength as an antiseptic wash 
for the hands of the operator and the skin surface at the site of 
operation. Internally alcohol is usually given in the form of 
brandy or whiskey. 

Aqua hydrogenii dioxidi—solution of hydrogen dioxide 
or peroxide —a slightly acid, odorless and colorless solution of 
hydrogen dioxide gas in water, having a 3 per cent, strength. 
The solution is not permanent but is made so by a small per¬ 
centage of acetanilid. It is kept best in tightly stoppered bottles 
in a cool place. 

Actions .—When brought in contact with oxidizable sub¬ 
stances, viz., pus or blood, it gives up its oxygen readily with 



ANTISEPTICS. 


73 


much frothing. It is a non-poisonous, fairly powerful anti¬ 
septic. Internally it has little or no value. 

Uses .—It is of considerable value in surgical dressings, 
particularly in cleaning out fistulous tracts. It is sometimes 
used as an application to the membrane in diphtheria; and often 
as a mouth wash or gargle. 

Potassii permanganas—potassium permanganate —occurs 
as slender, dark purple crystals. Dose, J to 2 gr. 

Actions .—The salt in solution is readily decomposed by 
all organic matter, giving up oxygen. Because of this action 
it is antiseptic and deodorant. 

Uses .—It is used principally in surgery as an antiseptic wash 
for the hands of the operator and to cleanse the field of opera¬ 
tion. The brown stain resulting is removed with a solution 
of oxalic acid. It also finds considerable use in solutions of 
from 1 to 500 to 1 to 5000 for irrigating the bladder, urethra and 
vagina, and for stomach washing. A well-known solution, 
Condy’s fluid, contains 8 gr. of the salt to 1 oz. of distilled water. 
Internally it is recommended in the dyspepsia and flatulence 
of the obese, and for the reduction of fat. It is recommended 
as a remedy for snake-bite, and because of its oxidizing effect 
on morphine, as a remedy in poisoning with that substance, 
in which case it should be used as a stomach wash. Under 
its administration the menstrual flow is said to be increased. 

Hexamethylenamine—urotropin — cystogen — f ormin — 
obtained by the action of ammonia upon formaldehyde. Dose, 
5 t0 IS g r - 

Actions and Uses .—When given in overdoses, it causes irrita- 
tion of the kidney and burning pain in the bladder and urethra. 
It possesses marked bactericidal powers and so does good in 
urinary diseases. It is of value in pyelitis, cystitis and phospha- 
turia. It is also serviceable as an intestinabantiseptic. 



74 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


ANTIPERIODICS. 

Drugs which lessen or prevent the regularly recurring parox¬ 
ysms of a disease are called antiperiodics. 

Cinchona Eucalyptus 

Arsenic 

Cinchona—Peruvian bark —the bark of a tree native to 
South America and cultivated in India. Dose, io to 60 gr. 

Preparations .—Fluidextractum cinchonas—fluidextract of cin¬ 
chona. Dose, io to 60 n\. Tinctura cinchonae—tincture of 

cinchona. Dose, | to 2 11 . dr. Tinctura cinchonae compositae 
—compound tincture of cinchona. 

The action of cinchona is due almost entirely to its alkaloids, 
of which there are four: quinine, quinidine, cinchonine and 
cinchonidine; of these quinine is the best known and most im¬ 
portant. The dose of the various alkaloids is about the same, 
viz.—1 to 20 gr. 

Quinina—quinine —occurs as a white flaky powder—odor¬ 
less and almost tasteless. It is slightly soluble in water; more 
soluble in alcohol, ether and chloroform, and dilute acids. Dose, 
1 to 20 gr. 

The various salts of quinine are more soluble in water than 
quinine itself, and of these quinine bisulphate is the most 
soluble. Quinine sulphate is the best known salt and occurs 
in white silky needles, cohering together in soft masses. Quinine 
hydrobromide, quinine hydrochloride and quinine salicylate are 
other official salts. The cinchoninae sulphas (cinchonine sul¬ 
phate) and cinchonidinae sulphas (cinchonidine sulphate) are 
salts of the alkaloids of those names. They are not as widely 
used as the quinine salts. 

Actions .—The action of cinchona and its alkaloids may be 
considered together, that of quinine being typical of the rest. 
Quinine solutions have considerable antiseptic power. Inter- 



ANTIPERIODICS. 


75 


nally in the stomach it acts as a vegetable bitter; absorbed into 
the blood it destroys the organism causing malaria (Plasmodium 
malariae) and so relieves the paroxysms. Even small doses may 
cause fullness in the head, ringing in the ears, deafness, dizziness 
and disturbances of taste, smell and vision. These symptoms 
commonly follow large doses and the condition is spoken of as 
cinchonism. Quinine will reduce temperature whether or not 
of malarial origin. It acts to some extent on the uterus, causing 
contractions of that organ. 

Warburg’s tincture, sometimes called “tinctura antiperiodica,” 
is a preparation at one time much used in the treatment of mala¬ 
ria. Its action is chiefly due to its containing 9J gr. of quinine 
to the ounce. Dose, 1 to 4 drams. 

Uses .—Quinine finds its chief use in the treatment of malaria. 
In that disease it is specific, and will surely kill the malarial 
parasite. It is given sometimes to reduce temperature not 
caused by malaria. In solution or in pill form in small doses 
it forms an excellent bitter tonic. In solution also it has been 
used in the treatment of certain forms of dysentery—given as an 
enema with the idea of destroying the infecting agent. 

Arsenic is described under alteratives. 

Eucalyptus—eucalyptus —the dried leaves of a tree growing 
in Australia and subtropical countries. Dose, 30 gr. 

Preparations .—Fluidextractum eucalypit—fluidextract of eu¬ 
calyptus. Dose, 30 rq. Oleum eucalypit—oil of eucalyptus. 
Dose, 8 114. Eucalyptol, obtained from the volatile oil. Dose, 

sn- 

Actions .—Externally eucalyptus is an irritant. Internally 
it is stomachic, expectorant and a stimulant to the genito-urin- 
ary tract. It has well marked antiseptic properties. By many, 
it was for a long time deemed equal to quinine in the treatment 
of malaria. At present, however, its antiperiodic properties 
are considered of very slight importance. 


76 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


Uses .—Principally in solution as a mild antiseptic. It may be 
given as an antiseptic to the alimentary canal and in chronic 
catarrhal affections of the bronchial and genito-urinary mucous 
membranes. 


QUESTIONS. 

Define anthelmintic. 

Name the anthelmintic drugs. 

Action and dose of santonin. 

How is pepo generally used ? 

Latin name, action, use, dose and usual method of administration of 
male fern. 

Active principle of granatum. 

Define antiseptic. 

Name the antiseptic drugs. 

Give the official names of corrosive sublimate. 

What is its action and uses? 

What is its antidote ? 

Name the official preparations of boric acid. 

Name the three official forms of alcohol. 

Give its action and uses. Dose. 

What is the action of hydrogen dioxide ? 

Name the uses and dose of potassium permanganate. 

Define antiperiodic. 

Name the antiperiodic drugs. 

What are the active alkaloids of cinchona ? 

Name the salts of quinine. 

Give actions of cinchona and its alkaloids. Dose of quinine. 

Give action of eucalyptus and dose of its two derivatives. 


CHAPTER XV. 


ANTIPYRETICS. 


Drugs or agents used to reduce an elevated bodily temperature. 


Antipyrin 
Acetanilid 
Salicylic Acid 


Aspirin 

Phenacetin 

Quinine 


Cold 


Antipyrina—antipyrin —one of the coal-tar derivatives, 
occurs as a colorless, almost odorless crystalline powder, having 
a slightly bitter taste and freely soluble in water. Dose, 3 to 20 


grs. 


Actions .—In large doses antipyrin depresses the heart. It 
acts as a sedative in nervous affections and is useful in relieving 
nerve pain. It rapidly reduces an elevated temperature. 

Uses .—It is largely used in the various neuralgias, and to 
reduce temperature. Some persons are unpleasantly affected 
by it, so that it should be used with proper care. 

Acetanilidum—acetanilid—antifebrin —is one of the coal- 
tar derivatives and occurs as an odorless, colorless, crystal¬ 
line powder. It is only slightly soluble in water, but freely 
soluble in alcoholic liquids. Dose, 2 to 5 grs. 

Preparations .—Pulvis acetanilidi compositus—compound acet¬ 
anilid powder (containing 7 parts acetanilid, 10 of caffeine and 
20 of sodium bicarbonate). Dose, 7J grs. 

Actions .—Large doses are depressing to the heart. The com¬ 
position of the blood is changed so that the skin and mucous 
membranes assume a peculiar bluish (cyanotic) hue. The ves¬ 
sels in the skin are dilated and sweating results. This is more 
particularly noticeable with high temperatures. Acetanilid is 


77 


78 MATERIA MEDIC A FOR NURSES. 

sedative to the nervous system and like antipyrin will relieve 
nerve pain. 

Uses. —Acetanilid is used most frequently for the relief of pain, 
as in neuralgia, dysmenorrhea, migraine, headache in general 
and rheumatism. It also ranks high among drugs as a reducer 
of temperature. Like antipyrin it must be used with caution, 
as little as five grains having been known to produce fatal results. 

Acetphenetidinum—phenacetin —is one of the coal-tar prod¬ 
ucts, occurs as a white, crystalline powder, odorless and taste¬ 
less. It is given best as a dry powder, in capsules or in tablet 
form, being only slightly soluble. Dose, 5 to 10 grs. 

Actions. —Acetphenetidine has only a slight depressing effect 
on the heart. It is sedative to the nervous system, will relieve 
pain, and is a powerful agent in the reduction of an elevated 
temperature. 

Uses. —It is used in much the same way as antipyrin and acet¬ 
anilid, but being less depressing can be given with less caution. 

Acidum salicylicum—salicylic acid —is derived chiefly 
from the action of carbon dioxide on sodium carbolate. It 
occurs, however, naturally in combination in various plants 
(wintergreen and birch). It comes as a fine, white crystalline 
powder, odorless, but having a sweetish taste. It is only slightly 
soluble in water. Dose, 5 to 60 grs. 

Preparations. —Sodii salicylas—sodium salicylate. Dose, 5 
to 60 grs. Lithii salicylas—lithium salicylate. Dose, 1 to 15 
grs. Strontii salicylas—strontium salicylate. Dose, 5 to 60 grs. 
Aspirinum—aspirin. Not official. Dose, 5 to 60 grs. Phenylas 
salicylas—phenyl salicylate (salol). Dose, 3 to 5 grs. 

Actions. —Externally salicylic acid will soften the skin. It 
is strongly antiseptic while its various salts are less so. Inter¬ 
nally salicylic acid is irritating to the stomach, especially if given 
in powder form. Salicylic acid and the salicylates will increase 
the flow of bile and readily reduce elevated temperature. 


ANTIPYRETICS. 


79 


Sometimes, even in medicinal doses, salicylic acid and its salts 
will produce deafness and ringing of the ears. Large doses 
continued may cause violent delirium. 

Uses .—Salicylic acid and the salicylates are given largely in 
rheumatism to reduce the temperature and relieve the pain. 
They are useful also as intestinal and urinary antiseptics. 

Oleum gaultheriae, oil of gaultheria or oil of wintergreen; 
oleum betulas, oil of betula or oil of sweet-birch and methylis 
salicylas, methyl salicylate or synthetic oil of wintergreen are 
practically identical and are given for the same things and in the 
same way as salicylic acid, in doses of from i to 5 rrp Aspi¬ 
rin is a chemical derivative of salicylic acid. It is given in 
doses of from 15 to 60 grs., and is said to be less irritating to the 
stomach than the acid and its salts. Salol, another chemical 
derivative of salicylic acid is similar to it in its action, but is also 
less irritating. It is used largely as an intestinal antiseptic, 
being split up in the intestine into carbolic and salicylic acids. 

Quinine is described under antiperiodics. 

Cold for the reduction of temperature is applied chiefly oy 
means of the tub or sponge bath or by the wet pack. Alcohol 
in the form of whiskey or brandy is generally given before, some¬ 
times also after the application of the cold, and an ice cap is kept 
on the head. Of all methods for reducing temperature this is 
perhaps the most effective and surely the safest, because we 
have left none of the depressing effects of a drug. 

QUESTIONS. 

Define antipyretic. 

Name the antipyretic drugs. 

Origin, uses and doses of antipyrin and acetanilid. 

Action, use and dose of phenacetin, of salicylic acid and the salicylates. 

How is cold best applied as an antipyretic ? 


CHAPTER XVI. 


ANTISPASMODICS. 


Drugs or agents which relieve the tendency to spasmodic 
attacks. 


Chloral 

Bromides 

Camphor 

Valerian 


Cimicifuga 

Opium 

Hoffman’s Anodyne 
Heat 


Chloralum hydratum—chloral hydrate or chloral —is 

formed by the action of chlorine gas on absolute alcohol. It 
occurs as colorless, transparent crystals, having a peculiar, 
penetrating odor and a bitter taste. It volatilizes when exposed 
to the air, melts when heated and forms a liquid when rubbed 
with camphor, menthol, etc. It is freely soluble in water. 
Dose, 5 to 20 grs. 

Actions .—Chloral is antiseptic; internally it is irritant and 
should be given well diluted. It is depressing to the heart. 
Large doses are said to kill, however, by paralyzing the respira¬ 
tory centre. Chloral is a powerful hypnotic, but will not relieve 
pain. Sleep is profound and the patient awakes generally free 
from disagreeable symptoms. 

Uses .—It is used as a hypnotic where pain is absent, and as a 
cerebral depressant in delirium tremens, puerperal convulsions, 
tetanus and poisoning by strychnine. It is frequently given in 
the convulsions of infants, for chorea, croup, whooping cough and 
other spasmodic affections. 

Acute Poisoning. —In poisoning by chloral there is profound 
coma with weak, slow respirations and pulse, and lividity of the 
surface. The pupils are expanded and there is complete mus- 

80 


ANTISPASMODICS. 


81 


cular relaxation. Treatment consists in the prompt washing 
out of the stomach, and the use of strychnine or caffeine sub¬ 
cutaneously as stimulants. 

Bromides.—Potassium bromidum—potassium bromide. 
Sodii bromidum—sodium bromide. Ammonii bromidum— 
ammonium bromide. Lithii bromidum—lithium bromide. 
Strontii bromidum—strontium bromide. All have similar 
actions and are given in the same dose, 5 to 60 grs. The 
potassium and sodium salts occur as white cubical crystals or 
as a white granular powder; the ammonium, strontium and 
lithium salts, in the form of white granular powder. They are 
all odorless, possess a salty taste and are readily soluble in water. 

Actions. —The bromides are irritating to the stomach if given 
in dry form or in concentrated solution. They are depressant 
to the nervous system and will cause drowsiness and sleep. The 
reflexes are lessened. When taken for a considerable time, 
they produce a chronic poisoning, marked by skin eruptions, 
inflammation of mucous membranes, deranged digestion and 
apathy. 

Uses. —The bromides are largely used as sedatives in almost 
all nervous affections; to prevent the attacks of epilepsy; to 
control convulsions in children; to relieve insomnia, etc. 

Camphora—camphor —is obtained by distillation from the 
wood of a tree growing in China and Japan. It occurs as 
a white translucent mass, having a crystalloid structure. It 
volatilizes slowly at ordinary temperatures, is slightly soluble 
in water, readily soluble in alcohol, ether and chloroform, and 
in fixed and volatile oils. Rubbed with phenol, menthol or 
chloral, liquefaction ensues. Dose, \ to 3 grs. 

Preparations. —Aqua camphors—camphor water per¬ 
cent.). Dose, \ to 2 fl. oz. Linimentum camphone—camphor 
liniment, camphorated oil (20 per cent, camphor). Spiritus 
camphorae—spirit of camphor (10 per cent.). Dose, 15 rrp 
6 


82 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


Camphora monobromata—monobromated camphor (made by 
the action of bromine on camphor). Dose, 2 to 10 grs. Acidum 
camphoricum—camphoric acid (from the action of nitric acid 
on camphor). Dose, 10 to 30 grs. 

Actions. —Camphor is irritating to the skin and mucous mem¬ 
branes. It is stimulating to the heart. On the nervous system, 
it is at first stimulating and later sedative. In large doses it pro¬ 
duces delirium and convulsions. 

Uses. —Camphor is used externally as a mild counterirritant. 
Internally it is given as a carminative, for its stimulating effect 
on the heart and as a nervous sedative in hysteria and other ner¬ 
vous conditions. Camphoric acid is given to check the night 
sweats of pulmonary tuberculosis. 

Valeriana—valerian —is obtained from the root of a plant 
growing in all temperate climates. It has an odor peculiar to 
itself. Dose, 10 to 30 grs. 

Preparations. — Fluidextractum Valerianae — fluidextract of 
valerian. Dose, 10 to 30 irp Tinctura valerianae—tincture of 
valerian. Dose, J to 2 fl. dr. Tinctura valerianae ammoniata 
— ammoniated tincture of valerian. Dose, J to 2 fl. dr. Am- 
monii valeras—ammonium valerate. Dose, 2 to 8 gr. Zinci 
valeras—zinc valerate. Dose, J to 3 gr. 

Actions. —Because of a volatile oil which it contains, vale¬ 
rian is irritant when applied externally. Internally it is stimulant 
to the gastro-intestinal tract. It acts at first as a stimulant to the 
nervous system, but later depresses it. 

Uses. —It is used chiefly as a sedative in nervous disorders. 

Cimicifuga—cimicifuga (black cohosh)—is obtained from 
the root of a plant growing in North America. 

Preparations. —Extractum cimicifugoe—extract of cimicifuga. 
Dose, 5 gr. Fluidextractum cimicifuga—fluidextract of cimic¬ 
ifuga. Dose, 15 up Tinctura cimicifugae—tincture of cimici¬ 
fuga.' Dose, \ to 1 fl. dr. 


ANTISPASMODICS. 


83 


Actions. —It is an astringent bitter and a cardiac stimulant. 
It depresses the nervous system and is said to cause uterine con¬ 
tractions. 

Uses. —It is used to some extent as an antispasmodic, especially 
in qhorea. 

Opium — opium — obtained from the dry juice collected 
from the unripe seed capsules of a poppy growing in Asia and 
yielding not less than 9 per cent, of morphine. It occurs in 
irregular, rounded masses, greyish-brown externally and covered 
with remnants of poppy leaves. Internally the mass is of a 
dark brown color and has a peculiar odor and bitter taste. Dose, 
i to 2 grs. Opium is very complex, containing not less than 17 
alkaloids. The ones most in use are morphine and codeine. 

Preparations. —Opii pulvis—powdered opium. Dose, J to 2 
grs. Extractum opii—extract of opium. Dose, | to 1 gr. 
Tinctura opii—tincture of opium (laudanum). Dose, 5 to 20 114. 
Tinctura opii camphorata—camphorated tincture of opium 
(paregoric). Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr. Tincture opii deodorati— 
tincture of deodorized opium. Dose, 5 to 20 114. Pulvis ipecacu¬ 
anha et opii—powder of ipecac and opium (Dover’s powder). 
Dose, 5 to 20 gr. 

Morphina—morphine —occurs as white shiny crystals, fine 
needles or crystalline powder, having a bitter taste. It is only 
slightly soluble in water. Dose, J to \ gr. The salts of mor¬ 
phine—morphinae sulphas, morphine sulphate; morphinae acetas, 
morphine acetate; and morphinae hydrochloridum, morphine 
hydrochloride, are all more soluble than the alkaloid itself 
and are therefore more generally used. The dose of each is 
from J to | gr. 

Codeina—codeine—occurs as white crystals or crystalline 
powder. Dose, J to 2 grs. Codeinae phosphas—codeine phos¬ 
phate. Dose, | to 2 gr. Codeinae sulphas—codeine sulphate. 
Dose, J to 2 grs. Its salts are much more soluble than the alkaloid 


8 4 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


and hence more generally used. Heroina, unofficial—heroin—is a 
synthetic derivative of morphine and as the hydrochloride is freely 
soluble in water. Dose, to i gr* Apomorphinae hydrochlo- 
ridum—apomorphine hydrochloride—is the hydrochloride of an 
artificial alkaloid obtained from morphine. It is fairly soluble 
in water. Dose to i g r * 

Actions .—Opium may be absorbed from a raw surface, or 
from mucous membranes. Taken internally, it diminishes all 
of the secretions of the body except that of the skin. It impairs 
digestion and may cause nausea. Peristalsis is diminished and 
constipation results. Respiration is slowed and in poisoning, 
death is caused by respiratory failure. There is depression 
of the whole nervous system and the patient sinks into a more 
or less deep sleep. The sense of pain is much lessened. The 
pupils are contracted and this, with the sleep and the slow breath¬ 
ing, are characteristic of opium poisoning. 

Uses. —Opium, morphine, codeine and their preparations are 
used chiefly to relieve pain. Codeine and heroin and apomor¬ 
phine, are often used in cough mixtures. In larger doses apomor¬ 
phine is powerfully emetic, from stimulation of the vomiting 
centre in the medulla. 

Acute Poisoning. —In from ten minutes to an hour after a 
large dose of opium is taken by mouth, the patient appears in 
deep sleep. The respirations become slow (4 to 8 a minute), 
the face cyanotic and the surface bathed in perspiration. The 
pupils are contracted, the pulse at first full and slow, later weak 
and rapid. Death finally occurs from respiratory failure. 

Treatment .—The stomach should be washed out repeatedly be¬ 
cause the morphine absorbed is excreted again into the stomach. 
A solution of potassium permanganate is the antidote of choice 
because it renders inert the alkaloid present. Atropine should 
be given hypodermatically and caffeine, best in the form of strong 
black coffee, by mouth or rectum. Oxygen is sometimes of 


ANTISPASMODICS. 85 

service. The patient should be kept warm, and artificial res¬ 
piration resorted to if necessary. 

Spiritus setheris compositus—compound spirit of ether 
or Hoffman’s anodyne— is a mixture of ether, alcohol and 
ethereal oil, and is a transparent, pale, straw-colored liquid 
having the odor of ether. Dose, 5 to 60 rq. 

Actions. —It is carminative, a stimulant to the heart, and 
antispasmodic. 

Uses. —It will often relieve palpitation of the heart. It is 
given to aid in expelling gas from the stomach and intestines, and 
as an antispasmodic in hiccough and asthmatic attacks. 

Heat applied in any form is antispasmodic. A hot bath, for 
instance, will often relieve the spasm of the ureter in renal calcu¬ 
lus more promptly than morphia. 

Hyoscyamus—henbane —is obtained from the dried leaves 
and flowering tops of a plant growing in Europe and Asia. It 
contains two alkaloids—hyoscyamine and hyoscine (described 
under hypnotics). Dose, 7^ gr. 

Preparations. — Fluidextractum hyoscyami — fluidextract of 
hyoscyamus. Dose, 3 rq. Extractum hyoscyami—extract of 
hyoscyamus. Dose, 1 gr. And tinctura hyoscyami—tincture of 
hyoscyamus. Dose, 15 rq. 

Action. —Hyoscyamus produces sleep through depression of 
the central nervous system. It acts on the unstriped muscle 
fibers of the urinary bladder and intestines to relieve spasm. 

Uses. —Because of its power to relieve spasm of the intestines 
and bladder, it is given with certain cathartics to prevent griping 
and with various other drugs in affections of the bladder to 
relieve painful contractions. 

Belladonna—belladonna folia—belladonna leaf—bella¬ 
donna radix—belladonna root—deadly nightshade. Dose 
1 to 3 gr. 

Official Preparations. —Extract, tincture and ointment of bella- 



86 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


donna leaf and fluidextract of root. Its active principle, atropine 
and atropine sulphate, are also official. Dose, gr- 

Action and Uses .—It is sedative upon the peripheral nerves and 
therefore useful in spasmodic diseases, such as whooping cough, 
dysmenorrhoea, etc. It stimulates the respiratory centre and is 
useful in failure of that function. 

Because of its stimulating action upon the heart and vasomotor, 
it is useful in shock. It also dries up the salivary and perspira¬ 
tory glands. A solution of atropine dropped into the eye pro¬ 
duces dilation of the pupil after ten or fifteen minutes without 
causing congestion or inflammation, and the dilation continues 
for several days. 

It may be used for all the purposes for which belladonna is 
used and has the advantages all alkaloids possess over the drugs 
from which they are derived, in precision of dose and rapidity 
of action. 


QUESTIONS 


Define antispasmodic. 

Name the antispasmodic drugs. 

Action and uses of chloral. 

Give symptoms of poisoning. 

What is the antidote? 

Name the official bromides. 

Give their action, use and dose. 

What is camphor obtained from ? 

Name the preparations. 

Give its action, use and dose. 

What is opium obtained from ? 

Name all its preparations and chief active principles. 
Dose of morphine and codeine. Action. 

Symptoms of poisoning. 

Official name of Hoffman’s anodyne. 


CHAPTER XVII. 
ASTRINGENTS. 


Drugs or agents which cause shrinking of soft, living tissues. 

Cold Haematoxylin Bismuth Salts 

Oak Bark Rhus Glabra Copper Salts 


Galla 

Tannic Acid 

Kino 

Kremaria 


Geranium 

Gambir 

Alum 


Lead Salts 
Zinc Salts 
Silver Salts 


Cold applied to the skin causes a primary contraction of blood¬ 
vessels and a shrinking of tissue. 

Quercus—white oak. The dried bark of the tree of that name. 

Preparations. —Fluidextractum quercus—fluidextract of quer¬ 
cus. Dose, 30 iq. 

Actions. —It is astringent because of the contained tannic acid. 
It probably has little action internally. 

Uses. —As a local astringent—sometimes internally in diarrheas. 

Galla—nut-galls. An excrescence on a variety of oak 
caused by the deposit of the eggs of an insect. 

Preparations. —Tinctura galla?—tincture of nut-galls. Dose, 
1 fl. dr. Unguentum gallae—ointment of nut-gall. 

Actions. —Astringent because of its tannic acid. 

Uses. —As a local astringent. Given only very occasionally 
internally. 

Tannic acid is described under anthelmintics. 

Kino — kino. The inspissated juice of an East Indian plant. 

Preparations. —Tinctura kino—tincture of kino. Dose, 1 fl. dr. 

Actions. —It is astringent because of its kino-tannic acid. 

Uses. —Internally in diarrheas and locally as an astringent 
gargle or wash. 

Krameria—krameria (rhatany). The root of a South 
American plant. Dose, 7 i gr- 

Preparations. —Extractum krameria?—extract of krameria. 
Dose, 7J gr. Fluidextractum kramerke—fluidextract of kra¬ 
meria. Dose, 15 rq. Tinctura krameria?—tincture of krameria?. 

87 





88 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


Dose, i fl. dr. Trochisci kramerke—troches of krameria. Dose, 
i fl. dr. Syrupus krameriae—syrup of krameria. Dose, i fl. dr. 

Actions. —It is astringent from the contained tannic acid. It is 
also stomachic and is said to have some effect in controlling inter¬ 
nal hemorrhage. 

Uses. —To control hemorrhage in the nose, rectum or other 
accessible part. It is given in hemorrhage from the stomach and 
bowels. It is useful in diarrheas. Given by injection it is 
curative in certain disease of the colon and rectum, such as 
chronic dysentery and chronic proctitis. 

Haematoxylin—hematoxylin (log-wood). From the wood 
of a tree growing in Central America and the West Indies. 

Preparations. —Extractum haematoxyli—extract of hematoxy¬ 
lin. Dose, 15 gr. 

Actions. —It is astringent to the intestines, coloring the urine 
and stools red. 

Uses. —It is little used internally. Given to some extent in 
diarrhea. 

Rhus glabra — rhus glabra (sumach). The dried berries of 
a bush growing in North America. 

Preparations. —Fluidextractum rhus glabrae—fluidextract of 
rhus glabra. Dose, 1 to 5 rrp 

Actions. —Astringent because of contained tannic acid. 

Uses. —To some extent as an astringent gargle. 

Geranium — geranium (cranesbill). From the root of a 
plant growing in North America. Dose, 5 to 30 gr. 

Preparations. —Fluidextractum geranii—fluidextract of gera¬ 
nium. Dose, 5 to 30 rrp 

Actions. —It is astringent because of tannic acid; also 
stomachic. 

Uses. —As an astringent gargle and in diarrhea. 

Gambir — gambir. Prepared from the leaves and twigs of 
a tree growing in the East Indies. Dose, 5 to 30 gr. 

Preparations. —Tinctura gambir composita—compound tine- 


ASTRINGENTS. 89 

ture of gambir. Dose, i to 4 fl. dr. Trochisci gambir—troches 
of gambir. 

Actions. —It is powerfully astringent because of its contained 
tannic acid. 

Uses. —As an astringent for relaxed mucous membranes, 
whether of the throat or vagina—locally, in epistaxis and as a 
remedy of diarrhea. 

Alum—alum —occurs in large colorless crystals without odor, 
but having a sweetish, and strongly astringent taste. Dose, 7^ gr. 

Preparations. —Alumen exsiccatum—dried alum (burnt alum) 
—made by heating alum until its water is evaporated. 

Actions. —Externally alum is astringent and hemostatic. 
Applied to mucous membranes it whitens and puckers them. 
It constricts superficial blood-vessels and decreases secretions. 

Uses. —Externally to control capillary hemorrhage, as an 
application in sore mouth and sore throat, in vaginal douches 
and to relieve excessive sweating of hands and feet. Where 
granulations are exuberant, burned alum acts as a mild caustic. 
Internally it is an effective remedy in lead colic. 

Bismuth Salts.—Bismuthi subnitras—bismuth subnitrate 
—is a heavy white powder, odorless and almost tasteless. Dose, 
5 to 20 gr. Bismuthi subcarbonas—bismuth subcarbonate — 
a heavy white powder, having neither odor nor taste. Dose, 5 
to 20 gr. Bismuthi salicylas—bismuth salicylate —occurs as 
an odorless, tasteless white powder. Dose, 4 gr. Bismuthi sub- 
gallas—bismuth subgallate (dermatol) —a bright yellow pow¬ 
der without odor or taste. Dose, 4 gr. These four principal 
salts of bismuth are all practically insoluble in water. 

Actions. —Externally on raw surfaces they are mildly anti¬ 
septic and astringent. Internally they are astringent to the 
gastric and intestinal mucous membranes. They soothe in¬ 
flamed areas by forming a protective covering. The adminis¬ 
tration of bismuth causes a garlic-like taste in the mouth, and 
odor of the breath. It also blackens the stools. 


go 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


Uses. —Externally bismuth salts are useful in dusting powders 
and ointments. Internally, they are given in diarrhea, in 
vomiting from gastric irritation and in gastric ulcer. 

Copper Salts.—Cupri sulphas—copper sulphate (blue 
vitriol or bluestone)— occurs as large, transparent, deep blue 
crystals, odorless but having a metallic taste. Dose (astringent), 
gr. i; (emetic) 4 gr. 

Actions. —Externally it is astringent and antiseptic. Inter¬ 
nally, moderate doses are promptly emetic. Small doses are as¬ 
tringent. Large doses cause violent vomiting and purging. 

Uses. —Externally to destroy granulations and as an applica¬ 
tion to chronically inflamed eye-lids. Internally, it is sometimes 
used as an emetic, especially in phosphorous poisoning. It is 
given in chronic diarrhea and chronic dysentery. 

Lead Salts: 

Plumbi oxidi—lead oxide (litharge) —occurs as a heavy yel¬ 
lowish or reddish-yellow powder or minute scales. It is without 
odor or taste and is almost insoluble in water. 

Preparations. —Emplastrum plumbi—lead plaster. Unguen- 
tum diachylon—diachylon ointment (containing 50 per cent, lead 
plaster). 

Plumbi acetas—lead acetate (sugar of lead) —occurs as 
colorless, transparent prisms or plates, white crystalline masses 
or granular crystals. Dose, 1 gr. 

Preparations. —Liquor plumbi subacetatis—solution of lead 
subacetate (Goulard’s extract)—containing 25 per cent, of lead 
subacetate. Liquor plumbi subacetatis dilutus—diluted solution 
of lead subacetate (lead water)—containing 1 per cent, of lead 
subacetate. 

Actions. —Upon denuded surfaces, lead preparations are as¬ 
tringent and sedative. Internally they have an astringent action 
throughout the whole alimentary canal, causing constipation. 
Poisonous doses cause vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. 
Continued administration of even small amounts causes chronic 


ASTRINGENTS. 


91 


poisoning, marked by colic, paralysis of the extensor muscles of 
the arms and legs, and by a characteristic blue line at the edge of 
the gums. 

Uses .—These salts are used either in solutions or ointments as 
sedative and astringent applications in a great variety of local in¬ 
flammations. Lead and opium wash is perhaps the best known 
preparation and may be made by adding 5i sugar of lead, 5h 
tinct. opium, to 1 pint water. The ointments are also useful in a 
variety of skin diseases. Internally the acetate is used in intestinal 
hemorrhage and diarrhea. 

Zinc Salts: 

Zinci chloridum—chloride of zinc (butter of zinc) —occurs 
as white granular powder, or porcelain-like masses, irregular or 
molded into pencils. It is odorless, has a very astringent, 
metallic taste and is freely soluble in water. 

Preparations .—Liquor zinci chloridi—solution of zinc chloride. 

Zinci sulphas—sulphate of zinc (white vitriol) —occurs as 
colorless crystals or a granular powder. It resembles magnesium 
sulphate in appearance, but has an astringent, metallic taste. It, 
like the chloride, is freely soluble in water. Dose, as astringent, 
J to 2 gr.; emetic, 5 gr. 

Zinci oxidum—oxide of zinc— is a very fine, white or yel¬ 
lowish-white powder, without odor or taste and insoluble in 
water. Dose, 4 gr. 

Preparations .—Unguentum zinci oxidi—ointment of zinc oxide. 

Actions .—Zinc chloride is a powerful corrosive. It is anti¬ 
septic, being well known as a household disinfectant. In dilute 
solution it is astringent. The other salts of zinc are likewise 
astringent. 

Uses .—The chloride is used as a caustic and disinfectant; the 
sulphate and the chloride also, in dilute solution, as an astringent 
application to the various mucous membranes, while the oxide 
enters into a great variety of ointments, lotions and dusting pow¬ 
ders. These salts are practically never prescribed internally. 


92 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


Silver Salts.—Argenti nitras—silver nitrate —occurs as 
colorless, transparent crystals, odorless, but having a caustic, 
metallic taste. On exposure to light it becomes grey or greyish- 
black. It is freely soluble in water. Dose, J to i gr. 

Preparations .—Argenti nitras mitigatus—mitigated silver ni¬ 
trate—and argenti nitras fusus—molded silver nitrate (lunar 
caustic). 

Two well-known unofficial preparations deserve notice—one 
argyrol, the other protargol. The former contains 30, the 
latter 8.3 per cent, of silver combined with proteid. 

Actions .—The silver salts are astringent and antiseptic. In 
concentration they are corrosive. When administered for a 
considerable length of time, the skin of the body becomes pig¬ 
mented because of absorption from the alimentary canal. 

Uses .—Silver itself is used in surgery for dressings in the form 
of foil, and as wire for sutures. Silver nitrate is used extensively 
as a caustic, as in removing exuberant granulations. In solutions 
of from one to five grains to the ounce of water it is useful in the 
treatment of cystitis. Somewhat stronger solutions (1 to 2 per 
cent.) are often used in the treatment of ophthalmia neonatorum, 
chronic gonorrhea and affections of the lower bowel. The solu¬ 
tions should be made with distilled water and kept in glass 
stoppered, amber or blue bottles. Internally, silver nitrate is 
given in gastric ulcer and chronic gastritis. Solutions of argyrol 
and protargol in various strengths (5 to 50 per cent.) are used 
chiefly in the treatment of ophthalmia and gonorrhea. 


QUESTIONS. 


Define astringent. 

Name the astringents. 

How is tannic acid best used ? 
Official names of rhatany, nutgall, 


Give official names of the several 


forms of silver nitrate. 
Give its uses and dose. 


Official name of blue vitriol, green 


vitriol, sugar of lead. 


cranesbill. 

Give uses and doses of alum, bis¬ 


muth salts, copper, lead and zinc 
salts. 




CHAPTER XVIII. 

CARDIAC DEPRESSANTS. 

Drugs which lessen the rapidity and force of the heart beat. 

Aconite Veratrum Antimony 

Aconitum—aconite (monkshood) —is the dried root of a 
plant growing in the mountains of Europe, Asia and north¬ 
western North America. Dose, i gr. A very poisonous alkaloid, 
aconitine, is its active principle. 

Preparations .—Fluidextractum aconiti—fluidextract of aconite. 
Dose, i rrp Tinctura aconiti—tincture of aconite. Dose, io irp 
Aconitina—aconitine, the alkaloid. Dose, gr. 

Actions. —Applied externally it at first produces a burning sen¬ 
sation. Numbness follows, because of paralysis of the periph¬ 
eral nerve endings. Given internally the heart is slowed, sur¬ 
face blood-vessels are dilated and the blood pressure falls. 
Large doses produce a rapid, irregular heart, and death may 
follow from cardiac paralysis. 

Acute Poisoning. —In poisoning with aconite, there is great 
muscular weakness, tingling and numbness over the entire body, 
dilated pupils and profuse sweating. Consciousness is often re¬ 
tained until the very end. 

Uses. —Applied externally it is sometimes useful in neuralgia. 
Internally in the early stages of acute diseases, where there is a 
high temperature and a full and rapid pulse. The alkaloid, 
aconitine, is said to be efficient in trifacial neuralgia. 

Veratrum—veratrum viride or hellebore —is the dried 
stalk and roots of a plant growing in North America. Dose, 2 grs. 

Preparations. —Fluidextractum veratri—fluidextract of vera- 

93 


94 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


trum. Dose, ij up Tinctura veratri—tincture of veratrum. 
Dose, 15 up 

Actions .—Applied externally its action is similar to that of 
aconite—producing at first tingling, later numbness. Inter¬ 
nally, full doses produce vomiting and purgation. Medicinal 
doses slow the heart and cause a fall of blood pressure, at the 
same time there is profuse sweating. Death in poisoning is 
caused by paralysis of respiration. 

Uses .—Veratrum is useful in the early stages of some inflamma¬ 
tory conditions where the pulse is full and bounding and the tem¬ 
perature high. By some it is claimed to be almost specific in 
puerperal eclampsia. Veratrine, an alkaloid of another species, 
is used almost exclusively externally to relieve the pain of neu¬ 
ralgia, myalgia, etc. 

Antimonium—antimony. The metal was in former days 
given in a rounded mass, called the “family pill” or “everlasting 
pill,” because it could be repeatedly used for its laxative qual¬ 
ities. 

Antimonii et potassii tartras—antimony and potassium 
tartrate (tartar emetic) —is the chief salt of antimony used 
medicinally. It occurs as colorless, transparent crystals or a 
white granular powder, odorless but having a sweetish and 
afterwards a metallic taste. Dose, to \ gr. 

Preparations .—Vinum antimonii—wine of antimony. Dose, 
15 up Syrupus scillae compositus—compound syrup of squill 
(hive syrup). Dose, 30 up 

Actions .—Externally the salts of antimony are irritating, 
producing a pustular eruption. Internally in small doses, tartar 
emetic causes perspiration and increase of bronchial secretion. 
Larger doses produce nausea and vomiting with considerable 
prostration. The heart is slowed and its force weakened. 
Poisonous doses produce violent emesis with profuse watery 
diarrhea. 


CARDIAC STIMULANTS. 


95 


Uses .—Mainly as an expectorant, though it is sometimes 
given in the early stages of inflammatory affections to reduce 
the force and frequency of the pulse. 

Acidum hydrocyanicum dilutum—diluted hydrocyanic 
acid (prussic acid) —is a colorless liquid with a taste and smell 
like that of bitter almonds—containing 2 per cent, of absolute 
hydrocyanic acid. Dose, ij rip. 

Action .—Locally the diluted acid is anesthetic from causing 
paralysis of the sensory nerve endings. It is depressing to the 
heart and respiration. The central nervous system is at first 
stimulated, then paralyzed. Large doses kill by paralyzing the 
centers in the medulla. 

Hydrocyanic acid is perhaps the most rapidly fatal poison 
known. From 1 to 2 grs. will kill a man in a few seconds. 

Uses .—The dilute acid still further diluted is useful in relieving 
itching of the skin. It should not be applied to an abraded 
surface because it is rapidly absorbed and might produce 
symptoms of poisoning. In very small doses the dilute acid is 
used to relieve vomiting and gastric pain. Because of its 
sedative effect it is often combined in cough mixtures. Hydro¬ 
cyanic acid is found in oil of bitter almonds, in bitter almond 
water, in the fluidextract, the infusion and syrup of wild cherry 
and may be administered in any of these forms. 

CARDIAC STIMULANTS. 

Drugs which will for a short time increase the rapidity and 
strength of the heart’s beat. 

Ammonia Nitroglycerin 

Alcohol Ether 

Camphor Amyl Nitrite 

Amm onia is described under ant-acids. 

Alcohol is described under antiseptics. 

Camphor is described under antispasmodics. 




96 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


Glycerylis nitras—nitroglycerin. The only official prep¬ 
aration of nitroglycerin is spiritus glycerylis nitratis—spirit of 
nitroglycerin, which is a i per cent, solution of nitroglycerin in 
alcohol. Dose, i irp 

Actions .—Nitroglycerin causes a dilatation of arteries all 
over the body, and a consequent marked fall in blood pressure. 
The heart’s action is increased. There is a giddiness and a 
sense of fullness in the head and sometimes a severe frontal 
headache, which may persist for several hours. 

Uses .—Chiefly for the relief of the high tension pulse of 
chronic Bright’s disease, and as a cardiac stimulant. It is 
sometimes effective in warding off the attacks of angina pectoris, 
and is often given in certain kinds of asthma. 

Ether is described under anesthetics. 

Amylis nitris—amyl nitrite —is a clear yellow liquid of a 
peculiar odor and pungent taste. Dose, 3 rrp 

Actions .—When inhaled, amyl nitrite causes an almost imme¬ 
diate dilatation of peripheral blood-vessels. There is a marked 
flushing of the face and tumultuous action of the heart. There 
is a giddiness and a distressing fullness in the head. There 
may be some unsteadiness of the gait and some confusion, with 
dilated pupils and disturbances of vision. 

Uses .—As a prompt and powerful stimulant to the heart in 
chloroform narcosis or heart failure. Attacks of angina pectoris 
can often be aborted by its prompt use. Amyl nitrite is supplied 
commercially in small glass capsules, known as “pearls,” each 
containing 5 np If needed, these capsules are placed in a cloth 
and crushed, and held under the patient’s nose. 


CARDIAC TONICS. 


Drugs which strengthen the heart more or less permanently. 


Digitalis 

Strophanthus 

Strychnine 

Caffeine 


Sparteine 

Convallaria 

Cactus 


CARDIAC TONICS. 97 

Digitalis—digitalis (fox-glove)—the dried leaves of a 
plant growing in Europe. Dose, i gr. 

Preparations. —Fluidextractum digitalis—fluidextract of dig¬ 
italis. Dose, 1 rrp Extractum digitalis—extract of digitalis. 
Dose, gr. \. Infusum digitalis—infusion of digitalis. Dose, 
3 fl. dr. Tinctura digitalis—tincture of digitalis. Dose, 15 up 
Digitalin, an unofficial glucoside, is often prescribed subcuta¬ 
neously in doses of from to gr. 

Actions. —Digitalis is a gastro-intestinal irritant and so must 
be given with care. It slows the frequency of the heart beat 
and increases the force. It causes a constriction of blood-vessels 
and a marked rise of blood pressure. It is diuretic, largely by 
increasing the circulation through the kidneys. Large doses of 
the drug cause a rapid and irregular heart’s action with a pro¬ 
gressive fall of blood pressure. 

Uses. —Digitalis is useful in all affections of the heart where 
a rapid, feeble pulse and low blood pressure indicate failure of 
compensation. In cases of cardiac disease associated with 
dropsy, its beneficial effects are especially marked; 

Caffeina—caffeine—is found in a variety of plants, but is 
obtained mostly from tea and coffee. It occurs as white silky 
needles, odorless, but having a bitter taste. Dose, 1 gr. 

Preparations. —Caffeina citrata—citrated caffeine. Dose, 2 
grs. Caffeina citrata effervescens—effervescent caffeine citrate. 
Dose, 5 i. 

Actions. —Caffeine increases the rapidity of the heart’s action 
and causes a rise in blood pressure. It is diuretic and stimu¬ 
lating to the nerve centers. This last accounts for the sleepless¬ 
ness following the use of tea and coffee. 

Uses. —Caffeine is useful as a cardiac stimulant and tonic. 
Its action is particularly marked in heart disease attended by 
dropsy. It is often combined with antipyrin and acetanilid to 
correct their depressing effect on the heart. Because of its 

7 


S>8 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


stimulating effect on the nervous system it will often relieve 
headache. Combined with sodium benzoate or sodium salic¬ 
ylate, it can be given subcutaneously. With either of these, it 
makes a 50 per cent, solution. 

Strophanthus is the ripe seed of a plant growing in Africa. 
Dose, 1 gr. 

Preparations .—Tinctura strophanthi—tincture of strophan¬ 
thus. Dose, 8 irp Strophanthinum—strophanthin—a gluco- 
side obtained from strophanthus. Dose, ytts - gr. 

Actions .—Strophanthus causes anesthesia of mucous mem¬ 
branes, but is at the same time a very irritating medicine. Med¬ 
icinal doses slow and strengthen the action of the heart, toxic 
doses paralyze it. The rise in blood pressure is not so marked 
as after the use of digitalis. Strophanthus is an efficient diu¬ 
retic, largely because of the increased heart’s action. 

Uses .—Chiefly in heart disease, and particularly in those cases 
of high tension and rigid arteries that do not do well under 
digitalis. 

Strychnina—strychnine —is an alkaloid obtained from 
nux vomica. It occurs as colorless crystals or a white crystalline 
powder, without odor and having an intensely bitter taste. It is 
only slightly soluble in water, and so its salts which are much 
more soluble, are generally prescribed. Dose, gr. -g-^-. 

Preparations .—Strychninae sulphas—strychnine sulphate. 

Dose, gr. -g- 1 -^ Strychninae nitras—strychnine nitrate. Dose, 

g r - rh- 

Actions .—Externally strychnine is antiseptic. Internally it 
slows and strengthens the heart beat and raises the blood 
pressure. It is also a respiratory stimulant. Reflex irritability 
through the spinal cord is increased to such an extent, that 
toxic doses produce convulsions resembling those of tetanus. 
Where large doses are being given, increased reaction to 
sudden noises, or slight muscular twitching, should be noticed 



CARDIAC TONICS. 


99 


as the first signs of poisoning. Death comes from paralysis of 
the heart. 

Uses .—Strychnia is used largely as a general and nervous 
tonic, and for its stimulating effect on the heart. 

Sparteinae sulphas—sparteine sulphate —is the sulphate 
of an alkaloid found in scoparius (broom). Dose, gr. . 

Actions .—Sparteine sulphate increases the force of the heart’s 
beat without materially increasing blood pressure. Because of 
its action on the heart it is diuretic. 

Uses .—Principally in heart disease with failure of compensa¬ 
tion and consequent dropsy. 

Convallaria—convallaria (lily of the valley). The dried 
stalk and roots of the well known garden plant. Dose, 7J gr. 

Preparations .—Fluidextractum convallaria—fluidextract of 
convallaria. Dose, viii n\. 

Actions .—Convallaria slows the heart and raises arterial ten¬ 
sion. It is also diuretic and cathartic. 

Uses .—It is used in the class of cases benefited by digitalis, 
but to a much less extent. 


QUESTIONS. 


Define cardiac depressant. 

Name the cardiac depressants. 

Give action and uses and dose of aconite. 

Give official name and dose of tartar emetic. 
Define cardiac stimulant. 

Name the cardiac stimulants. 

Action, use and dose of nitroglycerin. 

Of amyl nitrite. 

Define cardiac tonic. 

Name them. 

Latin name, action, use and dose of fox-glove. 
Dose of tincture and infusion of digitalis. 
What is caffeine obtained from ? 

Action, use and dose. 

Action, use and dose of strophanthus. 

What is strychnine the active principle of? 
What is its action, use and dose ? 

Action and dose of sparteine. 


CHAPTER XIX. 
CATHARTICS. 


Drugs which cause an evacuation of the bowels. 


LAXATIVES. 


Sulphur 

Fig 

Cassia Fistula 
Castor Oil 


Tamarind 
Prune 
Manna 
Olive Oil 
Magnesia 


SIMPLE PURGATIVES. 

Aloes Senna 

Cascara Buckthorn 

Rhubarb Ox-gall 


DRASTIC PURGATIVES. 


Croton Oil 

Colocynth 

Leptandra 

Podophyllum 

Jalap 


Scammony 

Gamboge 

Elaterium 

Calomel 

Aloes 


SALINE PURGATIVES. 

Rochelle Salts Magnesium Sulphate 

Sodium Sulphate Magnesium Carbonate 

Sodium Phosphate Liquor Magnesii Citras 


LAXATIVES. 

Sulphur—sulphur —is used medicinally in three forms— 
sulphur sublimatum, sublimed sulphur (flowers of sulphur); 
sulphur praecipitatum, precipitated sulphur (milk of sulphur); and 
sulphur lotum, washed sulphur. These all occur as fine yellow 
powders. Dose oh The first has a slight odor, the other 
two are odorless. A sulphur ointment, 15 per cent, (unguentum 
sulphuris), is prepared from washed sulphur. 

100 


< ( < 


CATHARTICS. 


IOI 


Actions. —Externally sulphur is irritant, parasiticide and anti¬ 
septic. Internally the greater part of the sulphur ingested passes 
through the intestines unchanged. A certain amount is con¬ 
verted into various compounds that are slightly irritant, and so 
mildly purgative. 

Uses. —Sulphur is much used externally for various parasitic 
skin diseases. Sulphur and lard is a favorite household remedy 
for scabies (itch). Internally it may be given as a mild laxative. 
It enters into the compound licorice powder. 

Ficus—fig —is a fruit growing in subtropical countries. 

Actions. —It is mildly laxative; the dried fruit is so, chiefly 
because of the indigestible seeds and skin. 

Cassia fistula—cassia fistula—(purging cassia —is the 
dried fruit of a plant growing in the East Indies and tropical 
Africa and America. Dose, 60 gr. 

Actions. —Chiefly laxative. 

Uses. —It enters into confection of senna and is rarely pre¬ 
scribed except in that compound. 

Oleum ricini — castor oil —an oil expressed from the seed 
of a plant growing in India, but which may be cultivated in this 
country. The pulp of the seeds contains a toxalbumin— 
ricin—which is very poisonous. Dose, oiv. 

Actions. —The oil is decomposed in the intestines and the 
ricinolates formed are irritant and therefore purgative. 

Uses. —As a laxative chiefly, and especially when there is an 
accumulation of irritating substances in the intestines. Because 
of its nauseating taste and smell, various methods are resorted 
to in giving it. One of the most practical is to have it taken at 
one draught in a little foaming sarsaparilla soda. Gelatin 
capsules may be used. 

Tamarindus — tamarind —the preserved pulp of a fruit 
growing in India, tropical Africa and the West Indies. Dose, oiv. 

Actions. —Chiefly laxative. 


102 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


Uses. —As a laxative, particularly for children. It is often 
combined with other remedies. 

Pranum—prune —a partly dried fruit, resembling the com¬ 
mon purple plum. It is grown extensively in the western 
United States. 

Actions. —Slightly laxative. 

Uses. —Taken either raw or stewed, prune is of value in cases 
of mild constipation. 

Manna—manna — the saccharine exudate from a tree 
growing in Europe. Dose, 3 iv. 

Actions. —Mildly laxative. 

Uses. —It is given chiefly to children as a laxative. It dis¬ 
solves readily in milk and may be given that way. 

Oleum olivae — olive oil (sweet oil) —an oil expressed 
from the fruit of a tree growing in Asia, southern Europe and 
other subtropical countries. Dose, 5 i. 

Actions. —Externally it is emollient and lubricant; internally, 
nutritive and mildly laxative. With sufficient friction, a con¬ 
siderable amount may be absorbed by the unbroken skin. 
It is supposed by some to have a solvent action on gall-stones. 

Uses. —Externally as a lubricant in massage. Internally it 
is sometimes given as a laxative, particularly to children. 

Magnesium oxide is described under ant-acids. 

SIMPLE PURGATIVES. 

Aloes—aloes —the dried juice of the leaves of a plant grow¬ 
ing in tropical countries. It occurs as yellowish, orange or 
blackish-brown masses, has an aromatic, pungent odor and bitter 
taste. Dose, gr. iv. 

Preparations. —Aloe purificata—purified aloes. Dose, gr. iv. 
Extractum aloes—extract of aloes. Dose, gr. ii. Pilulae aloes—• 
pills of aloes. Dose, 2 pills. Pilulae aloes et ferri—pills of aloes 
and iron. Dose, 2 pills. Pilulae aloes et mastiches—pills of 


CATHARTICS. 


I03 


aloes and mastic (Lady Webster pills). Dose, 2 pills. Pilulae 
aloes et myrrhae—pills of aloes and myrrh. Dose, 2 pills. Tinc- 
tura aloes—tincture of aloes. Dose, 30 rrp Tinctura aloes et 
myrrhae—tincture of aloes and myrrh. Dose, 30 rrp Aloi- 
num—aloin—a neutral principle from aloes. Dose, 1 gr. 

Actions. —Aloes is a slowly acting, efficient cathartic. It 
affects chiefly the lower bowel and may cause considerable 
griping. It is supposed to increase the flow of bile. Because of 
the congestion it produces in the pelvis, it acts as an emmena- 
gogue. 

Uses. —As a simple purgative in constipation. Because of its 
tendency to gripe, it is best administered with belladonna, 
hyoscyamus, or some carminative. A combination of aloin, 
strychnia and belladonna forms the well-known A. S. and B. pill. 

Rhamnus purshiana—cascara sagrada (sacred bark)— 
the dried bark of a tree growing in the Pacific coast states. 
Dose, 15 gr. 

Preparations. —Extractum rhamni purshianae—extract of cas¬ 
cara sagrada. Dose, 4 gr. Fluidextractum rhamni purshianae 
—fluidextract of cascara sagrada. Dose, 15 114. Fluidextractum 
rhamni purshianae aromaticum—aromatic fluidextract of cascara 
sagrada. Dose, 15 rrp 

Actions. —Cascara is stomachic and purgative. Its action 
is attended with little griping. 

Uses. —Although in use a comparatively few years, it is a 
favorite remedy in chronic constipation, or where a simple 
purgative is required. Unlike most drugs of the sort, increasing 
doses are not usually necessary. 

Rheum—rhubarb —the dried root of a plant growing in 
Asia. Dose, 15 gr. 

Preparations. —Extractum rhei—extract of rhubarb. Dose, 
4 gr. Fluidextractum rhei—fluidextract of rhubarb. Dose, 
15 rrp Pilulae rhei compositae—compound pills of rhubarb. 



104 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


Dose, 2 pills. Pulvis rhei compositus—compound powder of 
rhubarb. Dose, 30 gr. Syrupus rhei—syrup of rhubarb. 
Dose, 2 fl. dr. Syrupus rhei aromaticus—aromatic syrup of 
rhubarb. Dose, 2 fl. dr. Tinctura rhei—tincture of rhubarb. 
Dose, 1 fl. dr. Tinctura rhei aromatica—aromatic tincture 
of rhubarb. Dose, 30 rtp. Mistura rhei et sodas—mixture of 
rhubarb and soda. Dose, 1 fl. dr. 

Actions. —Rhubarb is stomachic and purgative. Its action 
is apt to be accompanied by griping and is followed by more 
or less constipation. It is excreted through the kidneys and 
imparts a characteristic yellowish color to the urine. 

Uses. —As a purgative, especially in the indigestions of chil¬ 
dren. Because of its constipating after-effects, it is not souseful 
in chronic constipation. 

Senna — senna. The dried leaflets of a plant growing in 
Africa. Dose, 60 gr. 

Preparations. —Confectio sennae—confection of senna. Dose, 
60 gr. Fluidextractum sennae—fluidextract of senna. Dose, 
30 rrp. Infusum sennae compositum—compound infusion of 
senna (black draught). Dose, 4 fl. oz. Pulvis glycyrrhizae 
compositus—compound licorice powder. Dose, 60 gr. Syrupus 
sennae—syrup of senna. Dose, 1 fl. dr. 

Actions. —It is a reliable purgative, though apt to produce 
griping. 

Uses. —In the compound licorice powder especially, senna is 
much used. A favorite prescription at one time was calomel at 
night followed by infusion of senna (black draught) in the morn¬ 
ing. Confection and syrup of senna are pleasant laxatives for 
children. 

Frangula — frangula (buckthorn). The dried bark of a 
tree growing in Europe and northern Asia. Dose, 15 gr. 

Preparations. —Fluidextractum frangulae—fluidextract of fran¬ 
gula. Dose, 15 np. 


CATHARTICS. 


105 

Actions. —The fresh bark causes severe gastrointestinal irri¬ 
tation. Kept for one year, its action is similar to that of senna. 

Uses. —As a purgative, particularly in chronic constipation. 

Fel bovis—ox-gall. The fresh bile from the gall-bladder 
of the steer or ox. It comes to us as fel bovis purificatum— 
purified ox-gall—which is a yellowish-green soft solid, having 
a peculiar odor and bitter taste. Dose, 7 J gr. 

Actions. —It increases the output of bile and is purgative. 
It aids in the absorption of fat in the intestine. 

Uses. —To some extent as a cholagogue cathartic. Because 
of its liability to disturb the stomach, it is most often given in 
enemata—one to two ounces in a pint of water being used. 

DRASTIC PURGATIVES. 

Oleum tiglii—croton oil. A fixed oil expressed from the 
seeds of a small tree growing in India and the Philippines. 
Dose, 1 irp 

Actions. —Croton oil is very irritating to the skin. A drop 
causes prompt vesication—which quickly changes to pustule. 
It is likewise very irritating to the intestinal tract and except in 
the smallest doses causes marked gastro-enteritis. 

Uses. —Formerly as a vesicant. It is useful as a drastic purge 
in apoplexy, uremia and eclampsia, and in obstinate constipation 
where there is no obstruction. 

Colocynthis — colocynth (bitter apple) —is the pulp of the 
fruit of a vine growing in Eastern countries. Dose, 1 gr. 

Preparations. —Extractum colocynthidis—extract of colocynth. 
Dose, \ gr. Extractum colocynthidis compositum—compound 
extract of colocynth. Dose, 7J grs. Pilulae cathartics com¬ 
posite—compound cathartic pills. Dose, 2 pills. 

Actions. —It stimulates the secretion of bile, the secretion of 
the intestines and the intestinal movements. Profuse watery 
movements are produced with considerable griping. 


io6 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


Uses. —It is useful where a drastic purge is needed. It is 
given combined with other remedies. 

Leptandra—leptandra —is the root of a plant growing in 
the eastern United States. Dose, 15 gr. 

Preparations. —Extractum leptandrse—extract of leptandra. 
Dose, gr. iv. Fluidextractum leptandrae—fluidextract of lep¬ 
tandra. Dose, 15 n\. Pilulae catharticae vegetabilis—vegetable 
cathartic pills. Dose, 2 pills. 

Actions. —It is a drastic purgative, at the same time stimulat¬ 
ing to the liver. 

Uses. —It is given in chronic constipation and where action 
on the upper part of the bowel is desirable. 

Podophyllum—podophyllum (May apple or mandrake). 

The dried root of a plant growing in North America. Dose, 7^ 
grs. 

Preparations. —Fluidextractum podophylli—fluidextract of 
podophyllum. Dose, 8 up Resina podophylli—resin of podo¬ 
phyllum (podophyllin). Dose, y-g- to J gr. Pilulae podophylli, 
belladonnae et capsici—pills of podophyllum, belladonna and 
capsicum. Dose, 1 pill. 

Actions. —Podophyllum is a drastic, rather slowly acting 
cholagogue cathartic. Large doses cause a marked gastro¬ 
enteritis. 

Uses. —Because of its action on the liver, podophyllum is used 
largely in constipation associated with hepatic derangement. 
The resin (podophyllin) is the form usually given and is best 
administered with other remedies. 

Jalap — jalap —the dried root of a plant growing in Mexico. 
Dose, 15 gr. 

Preparations. —Pulvis jalapse compositus—compound powder 
of jalap. Dose, 30 gr. Resina jalapae—resin of jalap. Dose, 
2 gr. Jalap also enters into the compound cathartic and the 
vegetable cathartic pills. 


CATHARTICS. 


107 


Actions. —Jalap is a powerful hydragogue cathartic. It 
stimulates the intestinal secretions to such an extent that the 
movements are very watery. 

Uses. —Because of its power to abstract water, jalap is useful 
in all forms of dropsy, and especially in that from Bright’s 
disease. 

Scammonium—scammony —is a gum resin obtained by 
incising the living root of a plant growing in Asia. Dose, 
gr. iv. 

Preparations. —Resina scammonii—resin of scammony. Dose, 

3 gr- 

Actions. —Like jalap it is a powerful hydragogue cathartic. 
Large doses cause severe gastro-enteritis. 

Uses. —As a cathartic in dropsy and obstinate constipation. 
Because of its violent action it is best combined with other rem¬ 
edies. 

Cambogia — gamboge. A resin obtained from a plant grow¬ 
ing in the East. Dose, gr. 2. Gamboge enters into the com¬ 
pound cathartic pill. 

Actions. —Gamboge is a violent hydragogue cathartic. 

Uses. —Because of its severe action it is almost always used 
in combination with other remedies. 

Elaterium—elaterium —is a sediment collected from the 
juice of a plant called the squirting cucumber. It is not 
official. Dose, y 1 -^ to \ gr. 

Preparations. —Elaterinum—elaterin, a neutral principle. 
Dose, T y gr. From this is made the trituration of elaterin, 
which is given in J grain doses. 

Actions. —Elaterium is the most powerful hydragogue cathar¬ 
tic known. It removes so much fluid that its action is gener¬ 
ally attended by considerable prostration. 

Uses. —The neutral principle, elaterin, is the form of the drug 
usually given. It is useful in dropsies, in uremia and eclampsia; 


108 MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 

but because of the attendant depression should be given cau¬ 
tiously. 

Calomel is described under alteratives. 

Aloes is described under simple purgatives. 

SALINE PURGATIVES. 

Potassii et sodii tartras—potassium and sodium tartrate 
(Rochelle salt). Dose, 120 gr. 

Preparations .—Pul vis effervescens compositus—compound ef¬ 
fervescing powder (Seidlitz powder)—which comes put up in two 
papers, white and blue. The larger of the two papers contains 
120 grs. Rochelle salts and 40 grs. of sodium bicarbonate; the 
smaller, 35 grs. of tartaric acid. The contents of the two papers 
are dissolved in water in separate glasses. When these are 
poured together, effervescing or foaming results, making the 
taste of the Rochelle salts less unpleasant. 

Sodii sulphas—sodium sulphate (Glauber’s salt) —occurs 
as large colorless, transparent crystals, having a bitter saline 
taste. Dose, 240 grs. 

Sodii phosphas—sodium phosphate —occurs as large 
colorless prisms, or a granular crystalline salt having a cooling, 
saline taste. Dose, 30 gr. 

Magnesii sulphas—magnesium sulphate (Epsom salt)— 

occurs as small colorless prisms or prismatic needles, having a 
bitter taste. Dose, 240 gr. 

Magnesii carbonas is described under ant-acids. 

Preparations .—Liquor magnesii citratis—solution of magne¬ 
sium citrate—is made by dissolving magnesium carbonate in a 
solution of citric acid to which syrup of citric acid and potas¬ 
sium bicarbonate are added. Dose, 12 oz. 

Actions of all saline purgatives. These cause the abstraction 
of fluid from the blood and its accumulation in the intestines. 
They are all more or less diuretic, and the sodium sulphate and 


CATHARTICS. 


109 

phosphate are mild cholagogues. Magnesium sulphate is the 
most powerful. 

Uses .—Solution of magnesium citrate is a palatable, mile 
purgative, especially adapted to children. Sodium sulphate 
and phosphate are often given for catarrhal conditions of the 
upper bowel associated with jaundice. The sulphate enters 
into many of the well-known mineral waters. Magnesium 
sulphate is a favorite purge where prompt action is desired—as 
after operations. 


QUESTIONS. 

Define cathartic. 

Name the laxatives. 

Name the simple purgatives. 

Name the drastic purgatives. 

Name the saline purgatives. 

Action, use and dose of sulphur. 

Action and dose of castor oil. 

Action, use and dose of aloes, cascara, rhubarb. 

Action, use and dose of senna, ox-gall, croton oil, colocynth, podophyllin, 
jalap, scammony, elaterium and calomel. 

Names, action and uses of saline purgatives. 


CHAPTER XX. 

CARMINATIVES. 


Drugs which aid in expelling gas from stomach and intestines 


by increasing peristalsis. 


Capsicum 

Cardamom 

Anise 


Ginger 

Peppermint 

Spearmint 

Spices 


Capsicum is described under rubefacients. 

Cardamom is described under stomachics. 

Anisum—anise. The ripe fruit of a tree growing in west¬ 
ern Asia, Egypt and southeastern Europe. Dose, 7J gr. 

Preparations. —Oleum anisi—oil of anise, dose, 3 rq; from 
which comes aqua anisi—anise water, dose, 4 fl. dr.; and 
spiritus anisi—spirit of anise, dose, 1 fl. dr. 

Actions. —Chiefly carminative. 

Uses. —It is perhaps the most pleasant carminative for 
children and infants. The seeds are used to a considerable 
extent in cooking. 

Zingiber — ginger —the dried root of a plant growing in India 
and cultivated in the tropics. Dose, 15 gr. 

Preparations. —Fluidextractum zingiberis—fluidextract of gin¬ 
ger. Dose, 15 rrp. Oleoresina zingiberis—oleoresin of ginger. 
Dose, £ gr. Tinctura zingiberis—tincture of ginger. Dose, 
30 up Syrupus zingiberis—syrup of ginger. Dose, 4 fl. dr. 

Actions. —Like all substances containing aromatic volatile 
oils, ginger externally is rubefacient. Internally it increases 
the secretions of the stomach and its movements, hence is 
stomachic and carminative. 

Uses. —Largely as a carminative. It is also used as a flavoring 
agent. 


no 


DIGESTANTS. 


Ill 


Mentha piperita—peppermint. The dried leaves and 
flowering tops of a plant growing in Asia, Europe and North 
America. Dose, 60 gr. 

Preparations. —Oleum menthae piperita?—oil of peppermint. 
Dose, 3 rrp Aqua menthae piperitae — peppermint water. 
Dose, 4 fl. dr. Spiritus menthae piperitae—spirit of peppermint. 
Dose, 30 rq. 

Actions. —Because of its volatile oil, peppermint is rubefacient 
externally. Internally it is stomachic and carminative. The 
oil applied to the skin produces a sensation of cold. 

Uses. —It is applied externally for the relief of neuralgia and 
rheumatic pains. Internally it is used chiefly for its carminative 
properties and as a flavoring agent. 

Mentha viridis — spearmint. The dried leaves and tops 
of a plant growing in the temperate zones. Dose, 60 grains. 

Preparations. — Oleum menthae viridis—oil of spearmint. 
Dose, 3 rq. Aqua menthae viridis—spearmint water. Dose, 
f 5 iv. Spiritus menthae viridis—spirit of spearmint. Dose, 

30 n- 

Actions and uses same as those of peppermint described above. 

Spices. —All spices such as cloves (caryophyllus), allspice 
(pimenta), nutmeg (myristica) and cinnamon (cinnamonum) are 
carminative because of the volatile oil they contain. They are 
all used more as flavoring than as medicinal agents. 

DIGESTANTS. 

Drugs that will take part in and so aid gastro-intestinal diges¬ 
tion 

Pepsin Extract of Malt 

Pancreatin Papain 

Hydrochloric Acid 

Pepsinum — pepsin — is a digestive ferment obtained from 
the mucous membrane of the stomach of the hog. It occurs as 
a pale straw-colored powder or scales. Dose, gr. 4. 



11 2 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


Actions .—Pepsin will digest proteids in an acid solution. It 
is inert in alkaline solutions and is even rapidly decomposed 
by them. Being one of the normal constituents of the gastric 
juice, its action takes place in the stomach. 

Uses .—It is given as an aid to stomach digestion, where the 
secretion of gastric juice is deficient. 

Pancreatinum—pancreatin —is a mixture of the ferments 
existing in the pancreas of warm-blooded animals and is usually 
obtained from the pancreas of the calf. It occurs as a fine 
yellowish powder having a meaty odor and an alkaline taste. 
It should contain four ferments, viz.: trypsin, which digests 
proteids; steapsin, which digests oils and fats; amylopsin, 
which converts starch into sugar, and a ferment which curdles 
milk. Dose, 7^ gr. 

Actions .—Its actions take place in the alkaline juices of the 
small intestines and consist in the digestion of all proteid sub¬ 
stances, the converting of starch into sugar and the emulsifying 
of fats. 

Uses .—Largely to predigest foods outside the body. It is 
given as an aid to intestinal digestion, and for that purpose 
should be administered from one to two hours after meals. 

Acidum hydrochloricum—hydrochloric or muriatic acid 
—is formed by the action of sulphuric acid on common salt. 
The chemically pure acid is a colorless, fuming liquid. It is used 
only in its diluted form. 

Preparation .—Acidum hydrochloricum dilutum—dilute hy¬ 
drochloric acid—is 10 per cent, hydrochloric acid in water. 
Dose, 15 n \. 

Actions .—Hydrochloric acid is one of the normal constituents 
of the gastric juice, being present in the stomach in the strength 
of y-g- per cent. It aids pepsin in the digestion of proteids. 

Uses .—It is given after meals when the secretion of acid in the 
stomach is deficient. 


DIGESTANTS. 


TI 3 

Maltum—malt — is the dried, partially germinated grain 
of barley. It contains the ferment diastase , which has the power 
of converting starch into sugar. 

Preparations. —Extractum malti—extract of malt—a sweet, 
thick brownish liquid. Dose, 4 dr. 

Actions. —Malt is mainly nutritive, though some of the prepara¬ 
tions may contain enough diastase to assist in the digestion of 
starch. 

Uses. —Malt extracts are given in conditions where a readily 
assimilable carbohydrate food is desired. Malt extract is 
often used as a vehicle for the administration of iron, cascara 
sagrada, or cod-liver oil. An unofficial preparation called taka- 
diastase, obtained from the action of a fungus on steamed rice, 
has been found much more efficient than malt in the digestion 
of starch. Dose, 5 to 10 grs. 

Papain—papoid or caroid —are the several names given to a 
vegetable digestive ferment obtained from the carica papaia— 
a South American tree. It occurs in the form of a straw- 
colored powffier. It is not official. Dose, 1 to 10 gr. 

Actions. —Externally it acts as a digestive of objectionable 
growths, or unhealthy, sloughing tissue. Internally, it changes 
proteids to peptones, whether in acid, alkaline or neutral solu¬ 
tions. 

Uses. —Mainly as an aid to digestion in certain forms of dys¬ 
pepsia. 

QUESTIONS. 

Define carminative. 

Name the carminative drugs. 

Action, use and dose of each. 

Define digestants. 

Name all of them. 

Give action and use of pepsin. 

What are pepsin and pancreatin obtained from? 

Name the ferments present in pancreatin—in health. 

What is papoid derived from ? 


8 


CHAPTER XXL 
DIURETICS. 


Drugs or agents which increase the output of urine. 


Water 

Digitalis 

Caffeine 

Broom 


Buchu 

Potassium Salts 
Squill 

Cantharides 

Juniper 


Uva Ursi 
Nitrous Ether 
Lithium Salts 
Pareira 


Aqua.—water —in sufficient quantity is one of the simplest 
and best diuretics. The stimulation of the kidneys is not neces¬ 
sarily due to substances in solution in the water; because the 
effect is noted where Poland water (which is practically free 
from minerals) or even distilled water, is used. 

Scoparius—broom. The dried top of a plant growing in 

Europe and Asia. Dose, gr. 15. 

Preparations .—Sparteinae sulphas—sparteine sulphate the 
sulphate of an alkaloid obtained from scoparius. Dose, gr. }. 
Actions— Chiefly as a diuretic. Its alkaloid, sparteine, is 

described under cardiac tonics. 

jj ses ,—It is given, generally with other diuretics, in dropsy 
from heart disease and chronic nephritis. Sparteine sulphate 
is useful as a cardiac stimulant in failure of compensation. 
Buchu—buchu. The dried leaves of a plant growing in 

southern Africa. Dose, 30 gr. 

Preparations .—Fluidextractum buchu—fluidextract of buchu. 

Dose, 30 rrp 

Actions .—Moderate doses stimulate the stomach, cause a 
mild diaphoresis, and are supposed to increase the output of 

114 


DIURETICS. 115 

urine. At the same time it exerts a slight, antiseptic action on 
the urinary tract. 

Uses. —It is given chiefly in cystitis and vesical irritation, 
and when the urine is acid, muddy and heavily laden with 
salts. 

Uva ursi—uva ursi (bearberry or upland cranberry)— 

is the leaf of an evergreen herb common in the northern United 
States. Dose, 5 to 20 grs. 

Preparations. —Fluidextractum uvae ursi. Dose, 30 n\. 

Actions. —It is a mild disinfectant to the urinary tract. It 
is astringent and diuretic. Large doses cause vomiting and purg¬ 
ing. 

Uses. —It is given in cystitis, pyelitis and other inflammatory 
conditions of the urinary tract. 

Oleum juniperi—oil of juniper —is a volatile oil obtained 
from the berry of the common juniper tree of the northern hemis¬ 
phere. Dose, 3 rrp 

Preparations. —Spiritus juniperi—spirit of juniper. Dose, 
30 rrL. Spiritus juniperi compositus—compound spirit of juni¬ 
per. Dose, 2 fl. dr. 

Actions. —Juniper is stomachic. It stimulates the renal func¬ 
tion powerfully. Large doses are, however, irritating and may 
cause hematuria or even suppression of urine. It has some 
action as a urinary antiseptic. 

Uses. —It is used chiefly as a diuretic in dropsies resulting 
from chronic Bright’s disease or diseases of the heart. It is con¬ 
sidered useful as an antiseptic in pyelitis, cystitis and other 
inflammations of the urinary tract. 

Pareira — pareira brava —is the dried root of a South 
American plant. Dose, 30 rrp 

Preparations. —Fluidextractum pareirse—fluidextract of par¬ 
eira. Dose, 30 ttl. 

Actions .—Similar to those of buchu. 


n6 


MATERIA MEDICA EOR NURSES. 


Uses. —As a diuretic. It is also useful in all inflammatory 
affections of the genito-urinary tract. 

Caffeina—caffeine —is described under cardiac stimulants. 

Spiritus aetheris nitrosi— spirit of nitrous ether —is de¬ 
scribed under diaphoretics. 

Digitalis is described under cardiac tonics. 

Scilla—squill —is described under expectorants. 

Cantharis—cantharides —is described under rubefacients. 

Lithium. —The mineral itself is not used in medicine. There 
are two salts which are official—lithii carbonas (lithium car¬ 
bonate), dose, 7J gr., and lithii citras (lithium citrate), dose, 
7 i gr- 

Actions. —Medicinal doses have very little effect in man 
beyond increasing the flow of urine and rendering it alkaline. 
Large doses cause gastric irritation. Its effect as a solvent for 
uric acid in the body has probably been overestimated. The 
good results ascribed to the lithium are probably due to the large 
amount of water taken. 

Uses. —Given in gout and rheumatism as a diuretic, and in 
certain cases to render the urine alkaline. 

Potassii acetas — potassium acetate. Dose, 30 grs. Potas- 
sii citras — potassium citrate. Dose, 15 grs. Potassii 
bitartras — potassium bitartrate (cream of tartar). Dose, 
30 grs. 

Preparations. —Liquor potassii citratis—solution of potassium 
citrate. Dose, 4 fl. dr. Potassii citras effervescens—effervescent 
potassium citrate. Dose, 1 dr. 

Actions. —These salts are first of all diuretic and at the same 
time render the urine alkaline. They are also antiscorbutic, 
but much less efficient than lemon, or lime juice, or fresh 
vegetables. The tartrate is classed with the hydragogue 
cathartics. 

'Uses. —Chiefly as diuretics in fevers, and in dropsy. Also 


DIAPHORETICS. 


117 

to render the urine alkaline where there is an inflammatory 
condition in the urinary tract. They are also given in rheumatic 
and gouty conditions. 


DIAPHORETICS. 

Drugs or agents causing sweating. 

Heat Pilocarpus 

Alcohol Sweet Spirit of Nitre 

Alcohol is described under antiseptics. 

Pilocarpus—pilocarpus (jaborandi). The dried leaflets of 
a plant growing in Brazil. Dose, 30 gr. 

Preparations .—Fluidextractum pilocarpi—fluidextract of pilo¬ 
carpus. Dose, 30 rr\. Pilocarpine hydrochloridum—pilocarpine 
hydrochloride. Dose, gr. i. Pilocarpine nitras—pilocarpine 
nitrate. Dose, gr. i. 

Actions .—Pilocarpus is a glandular stimulant, causing a 
marked increase in the activity of the salivary, tear, sweat and 
mucous glands. The pupil is contracted and the intraocular 
tension is reduced. 

Uses .—Externally it is used to promote the growth of hair, 
and as. a myotic in certain eye affections. Internally it is given 
chiefly to produce sweating in Bright’s disease. 

Spiritus aetheris nitrosi—spirit of nitrous ether (sweet 
spirit of nitre) —is an alcoholic solution of ethyl nitrite. Dose, 
30 TTV 

Actions .—Sweet spirit of nitre is a diffusible stimulant with 
mild diuretic, diaphoretic and antipyretic properties. It is 
also mildly sedative. 

Uses .—It is very widely given in the fevers of children, though 
its action is thought over-rated by many. 

Heat. —One of the most efficient and at the same time safe 
methods of producing diaphoresis, is by the application of heat, 
either in the form of hot packs, hot baths, vapor baths or hot 


n8 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


dry air baths. The methods of application can be found in 
any text-book on nursing. 

QUESTIONS. 

Define diuretics. 

Name them. 

Action, use and dose of broom, buchu, oil juniper, lithium and the potas¬ 
sium salts. 

Define diaphoretic. 

Name them. 

Action, use and dose of pilocarpine. 


CHAPTER XXII. 


DISINFECTANTS. 

Drugs or agents used to destroy the contagium of disease, 
and for decomposing noxious vapors. 


Formalin Gas 
Sulphurous Oxide 
Carbolic Acid 
Bichloride of Mercury 


Chloride of Lime 
Chloride of Zinc 
Heat 


Formaldehydum—formaldehyde —is a gas soluble in water. 
The official preparation known as formalin (liquor formalde- 
hydi) is a 40 per cent, solution of the gas in water. 

Actions .—Formaldehyde is a powerful disinfectant. A suffi¬ 
cient amount of the gas let into a sealed room will kill any micro¬ 
organisms attached to the walls, furniture, etc. The gas is 
irritant to the mucous membranes. It fixes and hardens animal 
tissues. 

Uses. —Formaldehyde, either as a gas or in solution, is used 
largely as a disinfectant. In the laboratory, formalin of various 
strengths is used to fix and harden tissues for microscopical work. 

Sulphurous acid gas—or sulphur dioxide —is formed 
when sulphur is burned in the air in the presence of moisture 
furnished from wet cloths or water in open vessels. 

Actions .—It is a powerful bleaching and antiseptic agent, very 
irritant to mucous membranes. 

Uses .—It is used for disinfecting rooms, holds of ships, etc. 
A 2 per cent, solution of the gas in water is official under the 
name of sulphurous acid (acidum sulphurosum). 

Phenol—carbolic acid —is described under anesthetics. So¬ 
lutions of either the crude or the refined acid are often used 


120 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


in strengths of from i to 40, to 1 to 20 for disinfecting soiled linen, 
apparatus of various kinds, drains, etc. 

Hydrargyri chloridum corrosivum—corrosive sublimate 
or bichloride —is described under antiseptics. In solutions of 
from 1-2000 to 1-500 it is a valuable disinfectant. It must be 
remembered, however, that in the presence of organic matter, 
the bichloride is quickly rendered inert. 

Calx chlorinata—chlorinated lime — chloride of lime — 
comes as a white powder. It is formed by passing chlorine gas 
over slaked lime. It should contain 30 per cent, of available 
chlorine. It decomposes, giving off chlorine, when moistened 
or exposed to the air, hence should be kept dry and tightly sealed. 

Actions .—It is disinfectant and a good bleaching agent. 

Uses .—When fresh and of full strength, it is an excellent agent 
for disinfecting excreta, drains, etc. 

Zinci chloridum—zinc chloride —is described under astrin¬ 
gents. 

Heat is used as a disinfectant, either moist or dry, the moist 
heat being the more effective. Clothes, utensils or instru¬ 
ments, immersed in boiling water for from ten to thirty minutes, 
or put in a closed chamber filled with live steam for the same 
length of time, are absolutely free from germs. Instruments 
held in the flame of an alcohol lamp or Bunsen burner are of 
course sterile. In sterilizing (disinfecting) utensils or instru¬ 
ments with dry heat, a greater temperature and longer exposure 
is needed, than with moist heat. 

QUESTIONS. 

Define disinfectants. 

Name them all. 

Action and methods of using formaldehyde and sulphurous acid gas, 
phenol, bichloride and chlorinated lime. 


CHAPTER XXIII. 


DEMULCENTS. 


Drugs or preparations that are soothing to mucous membranes. 


Raw Egg Albumin 
Barley Water 
Slippery Elm 
Flaxseed 
Tragacanth 


Gum Arabic 
Gelatin 
Irish Moss 
Cydonium 
Sassafras Pith 


Egg albumin is easily assimilated, nutritious and soothing. 
The white of one egg stirred into half pint of cool water with a 
little salt or lemon juice added, makes a valuable food, when 
for any reason it is desirable to keep the intestinal tract empty. 
Egg albumin is valuable as an antidote in poisoning by corrosives 
such as bichloride, copper sulphate, and lead salts. 

Barley water is nutritious and highly demulcent. It can 
be made either from barley flour or from pearl barley. It is 
used largely to dilute milk in feeding infants, or as the exclusive 
food in inflammation of the gastro-intestinal tract. 

Ulmus—elm (slippery elm bark). The dried bark of a 
tree of the eastern United States. 

Preparations .—Mucilago ulmi—mucilage of elm. Dose, 5 iv. 

Actions .—Slippery elm is largely demulcent. 

Uses .—It is recommended as a drink in inflammations of the 
throat and of the gastro-intestinal tract. 

Linum—flaxseed—linseed. The ripe seeds of a plant grow¬ 
ing in southern Europe and the Levant. 

Preparations .—Oleum lini—linseed oil, linimentum calcis— 
carron oil and lini farina—flaxseed meal. 


121 


122 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


Actions. —Externally in the form of poultices as an emollient, 
internally, as a demulcent. 

Tragacantha—tragacanth. An exudation from a tree grow¬ 
ing in western Asia. 

Preparations. —Mucilago tragacantha—mucilage of traga¬ 
canth. Dose, 4 fl. dr. 

Actions. —Tragacanth is demulcent and also has slight nu¬ 
tritive properties. 

Uses. —It enters into many troches. It is used chiefly as a 
vehicle for various drugs and particularly for suspending insol¬ 
uble powders. 

Acacia—gum arabic —an exudation from a tree growing in 
Africa. 

Preparations. —Mucilago acaciae—mucilage of acacia. Dose, 
4 fl. dr. Syrupus acaciae—syrup of acacia. 

Actions. —Entirely demulcent. 

Uses. —It is sometimes given in inflammations of the bron¬ 
chial, vesical or intestinal mucous membranes. It is useful 
as a vehicle for various drugs and is used largely in the emulsify¬ 
ing of fats and resins. 

Gelatinum — gelatin. Obtained from animal tissues (skin, 
ligaments, bones) by treating with boiling water. 

Preparations. —Gelatinum glycerinatum—glycerinated gelatin. 

Actions. —Gelatin is demulcent and to a certain extent nutri¬ 
tive. It is said to increase the coagulability of the blood. 

Uses. —It is used as a protective covering in diseases of the skin. 
It is the basis of many capsules, lozenges, etc., and a coating for 
pills. A solution of gelatin has been injected subcutaneously 
to increase the coagulability of the blood in aneurism. 

Chondrus — Irish moss —is a dried sea-weed found in the 
Atlantic Ocean. Dose, 4 dr. 

Actions. —It is demulcent and to some extent nutritive. 

Uses. —It was formerly much given as a decoction in in- 


EMOLLIENTS. 


123 


flammations of the various mucous membranes. As a jelly, it 
is a pleasant article of diet. 


EMOLLIENTS. 

Agents used to soften and soothe the skin. 


Cocoa Butter 
Lanolin 
Olive Oil 
Almond Oil 
Cottonseed Oil 


Glycerin 

Lard 

Spermaceti 

Petrolatum 

Poultices 


Oleum theobromatis—oil of theobroma (cocoa butter)— 

is a fixed oil expressed from the beans of a tree growing in 
South America. It comes as a yellowish-white solid with an 
agreeable chocolate taste, melting at the temperature of the body. 

Action and Use .—Cocoa butter is nutrient and emollient. 
By inunction it is used to soften the skin and to increase nutri¬ 
tion. It forms the base for suppositories and is used as a lubri¬ 
cant in giving massage. 

Adeps lanae hydrosus—hydrous wool-fat or lanolin— 

is the purified fat from sheep’s wool, containing not more 
than 30 per cent, water. It is a yellowish-white, soft mass, 
which will absorb twice its weight of water. 

Actions and Uses .—It will soften and soothe the skin, and is 
readily absorbed by friction. It forms the base of a great many 
ointments, and is an excellent vehicle for drugs given by 
inunction. 

Oleum amygdalae expressum—expressed oil of almond— 

is a fixed oil expressed from the seeds of either the bitter or the 
sweet almond. Dose, 4 fl. dr. 

Actions and Uses .—Almond oil is emollient and nutritive. 
It is used in much the same way and for the same things, as olive 
oil. To many persons it is less objectionable than the latter. 

Oleum gossypii seminis—cottonseed oil —is a fixed oil 
expressed from the seed of the cotton plant. Dose, 4 fl. dr. 


124 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


Actions and Uses. —The same as olive oil, for which it is often 
substituted. 

Glycerinum — glycerin —is a clear, colorless, syrupy liquid, 
of a sweet taste, obtained by the decomposition of animal or 
vegetable fats. Dose, i fl. dr. 

Preparations. —Glyceritum amyli—glycerite of starch. Glyc- 
eritum phenolis—glycerite of carbolic acid. Glyceritum acidi 
tannici—glycerite of tannic acid. Glyceritum boroglycerini— 
glycerite of boroglycerin. Glyceritum hydrastis—glycerite of 
hydrastis. Glyceritum ferri, quininae et strychninae phosphatum 
—glycerite of iron, quinine and strychnine phosphate. Dose, 15 
rq. Suppositoria glycerini—glycerin suppositories. 

Actions and Uses. —Large doses are irritating to the intestinal 
tract. In moderate doses, however, glycerin is demulcent and 
nutritive. Externally it is emollient and antiseptic. Given by 
rectum it produces a prompt evacuation of the bow r els. It is 
used chiefly externally for its emollient properties and as a vehicle 
for active drugs. 

Adeps—lard— the internal fat from the abdomen of the do¬ 
mestic hog, purified by washing with water, melting and straining. 

Preparations. —Adeps benzoinatus—benzoinated lard. Cera- 
tum—cerate. Ceratum resinae—resin cerate and unguentum 
—ointment. 

Actions and Uses. —Lard is emollient. It is used very largely 
as a base for ointments and as a vehicle for drugs given by 
inunction. 

Cetaceum — spermaceti —is a fatty substance obtained from 
the sperm whale. 

Preparations. —Unguentum aquae rosae—rose-water ointment. 

Actions and Uses. —It is emollient, and is used as a basis for 
ointments and cerates. 

Petrolatum — petrolatum —is the heavy portion left after 
distilling petroleum. 


EMOLLIENTS. 


125 


Actions and Uses .—It is emollient, and an excellent protective 
to the skin, but not being absorbed readily, is not a suitable 
vehicle for drugs meant for absorption. It is used very largely 
in the preparation of ointments. 

Cataplasmata—poultices —of flaxseed, kaoline, bran, elm 
bark, etc., may be used to soften and soothe the skin though they 
are chiefly employed for the application of moist heat. 

QUESTIONS. 


Define demulcent. 

Name them. 

Action and method of using all of them. 
Official title of cocoa butter. Uses. 

Name the official compounds with glycerin. 
What is glycerin obtained from ? 


CHAPTER XXIV. 


EPISPASTICS. 

Drugs or agents which will produce a blister if applied to the 
skin. 

Cantharides Heat 

Cantharis—cantharides (Spanish flies). A beetle living 
in central and southern Europe. It is bronze-green in color 
and about one inch long. The blistering principle it contains 
is called cantharidin. Dose, J gr. 

Preparations. — Ceratum cantharides — cantharides cerate. 
Collodium cantharidatum—cantharidal collodion. Tinctura 
cantharidis—tincture of cantharides. Dose, 5 rrp 

Actions .—Externally cantharides is a powerful irritant, pro¬ 
ducing vesication if allowed to act for 2 or 3 hours. Internally 
in sufficient doses it is a gastro-intestinal irritant. The kidneys 
are stimulated by small or moderate doses. Large doses pro¬ 
duce albuminuria, hematuria and sometimes total suppression of 
urine. There is at the same time intense irritation of the 
bladder and urethra. 

Uses .—Chiefly as a vesicant. It is given some as a stimulant 
to the urinary apparatus and in amenorrhea. It enters into 
many of the preparations used for stimulating the growth of hair. 


ESCHAROTICS. 


Drugs or agents which will burn into soft, living tissues. 


Nitric Acid 
Sulphuric Acid 
Chromic Acid 
Glacial Acetic Acid 
Zinc Sulphate 
Zinc Chloride 
Copper Sulphate 


Silver Nitrate 

Mercuric Nitrate 

Arsenous Acid 

Potash 

Soda 

Alum 


126 


ESCHAROTICS. 


127 


Acidum nitricum—nitric acid —made by distilling sul¬ 
phuric acid with potassium nitrate. 

Preparations. —Acidum nitricum dilutum—dilute nitric acid. 
Dose, 30 up Acidum nitrohydrochloricum—nitrohydrochloric 
acid. Dose, 3 up Acidum nitrohydrochloricum dilutum— 
dilute nitrohydrochloric acid. Dose, 15 up 

Actions. —Externally, nitric acid is corrosive, forming a yellow 
stain and eschar. Internally nitrohydrochloric stimulates the 
flow of bile; while all preparations of the acid assist in digestion 
if taken after meals. 

Uses. —Because of the ease with which the action of nitric 
acid is limited, it is largely employed as a caustic in the treat¬ 
ment of venereal sores, warts, poisoned and sloughing wounds. 
Nitrohydrochloric acid is frequently used in the treatment of 
certain forms of dyspepsia and in oxaluria. 

Acidum sulphuricum—sulphuric acid (oil of vitriol) —is a 
colorless oily liquid. 

Preparations. —Acidium sulphuricum dilutum—dilute sulphuric 
acid. Dose, 30 up Acidum sulphuricum aromaticum—aro¬ 
matic sulphuric acid. Dose, 15 up 

Actions. —Concentrated sulphuric acid is powerfully corrosive, 
forming a brown or black eschar. The dilute solutions are as¬ 
tringent and will assist in digestion. 

Uses. —To some extent as a caustic for venereal sores and 
sloughing wounds. Dilute sulphuric acid is taken internally 
as a prophylactic against lead poisoning and in certain forms 
of dyspepsia. 

Chromii trioxidum—chromium trioxide (chromic acid)— 

occurs as blood red crystals that rapidly absorb water and 
liquefy. 

Actions. —It is powerfully caustic. Taken internally it pro¬ 
duces intense pain, vomiting, purging and collapse. 

)Uses. —Strong solutions or the acid itself, are used for the de- 


128 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


struction of growths of various kinds; weak solutions, in the 
treatment of ulcers, parasitic skin diseases and in other conditions 
where a mild caustic is indicated. 

Acidum aceticum glaciale—glacial acetic acid —is a clear 
colorless liquid of a strong vinegar-like odor and containing 
not less than 99 per cent, of absolute acetic acid. 

Actions .—Glacial acetic acid is irritant, astringent and 
caustic. 

Uses .—It is used principally as a caustic in the treatment of 
warts, corns, ulcers and nasal hypertrophies. 

Zinc sulphate and zinc chloride are described under 
astringents. 

Copper sulphate is described under astringents. 

Silver nitrate is described under astringents. 

Liquor hydrargyri nitratis—solution of mercuric nitrate 
—is a colorless liquid with an odor like nitric acid and containing 
about 60 per cent, of mercuric nitrate. It is formed by dis¬ 
solving red mercuric oxide in nitric acid and water. 

Actions .—It is powerfully caustic, is very penetrating and its 
action is painful. 

Uses .—It is used chiefly for the removal of superficial growths. 

Arsenous acid is described under alteratives. 

Potassii hydroxidum—potassium hydroxide (caustic 
potash) —usually comes in hard, brittle pencils which rapidly 
absorb moisture on exposure to the air. 

Preparations .—Liquor potassii hydroxidi—solution of potas¬ 
sium hydroxide (liquor potassae)—containing about 5 per cent, of 
potassium hydroxide. Dose, 15 rrp 

Actions .—Applied to living tissue, potassium hydroxide is 
powerfully caustic, forming semi-transparent crusts which sub¬ 
sequently separate, leaving an ulcer. A weak solution taken 
internally acts as an ant-acid. 

Uses .—As a caustic, when a very deep and decided influence 


ESCHAROTICS. 


129 


is desired. Vienna paste, made by combining equal parts of 
the potash and lime, is the preparation most often used. 

Sodii hydroxidum—sodium hydroxide (caustic soda)— 
comes in the same form as potash. 

Preparations .—Liquor sodii hydroxidi—solution of sodium 
hydroxide (liquor sodae)—contains about 5 per cent, of sodium 
hydroxide. Dose, 15 rrp 

Actions and uses the same as for potash. 

Alum is described under astringents. 

QUESTIONS. 


Define epispastic. 

Name the epispastics. 

Give list of preparations of cantharides and dose of the drug. 
Give its action and uses. 

Define escharotic and name them. 

Uses of nitric acid, chromic acid, potassa. 


9 


CHAPTER XXV. 


EMETICS. 

Drugs that may be used to produce vomiting. 


Apomorphine 
Tartar Emetic 
Mustard 


Ipecac 

Copper Sulphate 
Zinc Sulphate 


Apomorphinae hydrochloridum—apomorphine hydro¬ 
chloride —is the hydrochloride of an artificial alkaloid prepared 
from morphine. Sedative dose, -fa gr. Emetic dose, gr. 

Actions .—It produces vomiting by irritation of the vomiting 
center in the medulla. Small doses are sedative and at the 
same time increase the secretion of fluid from the bronchial 
mucous membranes. 

Uses .—It is given hypodermatically where a certain emetic 
is needed in doses of from to J gr. Small doses to gr.) 
are useful as a sedative, and to promote secretion, in affections 
of the bronchial mucous membrane. 

Tartar emetic is described under cardiac depressants. 

Mustard is described under rubefacients. As an emetic it is 
best administered by mixing a tablespoonful of the powdered 
drug with warm water to the consistency of cream. 

Ipecacuanhae—ipecac —is the dried root of a plant growing 
in South America. Dose (expectorant), i gr.; (emetic), 15 gr. 

Preparations .—Fluidextractum ipecacuanhae—fluidextract of 
ipecac. Dose, 1 to 15 rrp Syrupus ipecacuanhae—syrup of 
ipecac. Dose, 15 to 4 dr. Vinum ipecacuanhae—wine of 
ipecac (10 per cent.). Dose, f 5 i. 

Actions .—Externally ipecac is irritant. It has mild antiseptic 
properties. Large doses internally cause emesis, probably from 


130 


EMMENAGOGUES. 


gastric irritation; small doses are stomachic. The flow of bile 
and the secretion of mucus from the bronchial mucous mem¬ 
branes are increased by its ingestion. Very small doses will 
often relieve vomiting. Ipecac is mildly diaphoretic. 

Uses .—Ipecac is used chiefly for its emetic and expectorant 
properties. It is claimed by some to be of great value in epi¬ 
demic dysentery. In the form of Dover’s powder it is often given 
for its diaphoretic properties in the early stages of fevers. 

Copper sulphate is described under astringents. In 4 gr. 
doses it is a useful emetic. 

Zinc sulphate is described under astringents. As an emetic 
in 15 gr. doses it is useful in narcotic and other poisoning. 

EMMENAGOGUES. 

Drugs used to stimulate the menstrual flow. 

Manganese Dioxide Aloes 

Myrrh Savin 

Cantharides Iron 

Potassium Permanganate 

Mangani dioxidum prascipitatum—precipitated man¬ 
ganese dioxide —occurs as a heavy fine black powder, insoluble 
in water. Dose, 4 grs. 

Actions .—Large doses cause gastro-intestinal irritation. 
Medicinal doses are astringent and at the same time are supposed 
to have a specific action on the uterus, thereby increasing the 
menstrual flow. 

Uses .—The dioxide is used successfully as an emmenagogue. 

Myrrha—myrrh —is a gum resin from a tree growing in x 4 frica 
and Arabia. It has a peculiar fragrant odor, more evident on 
burning. Dose, 7J grs. 

Preparations .—Tinctura myrrhae—tincture of myrrh. Dose, 
15 rrp Tinctura aloes et myrrhae—tincture of aloes and myrrh. 
Dose, 1 fl. dr. Pilulae aloes et myrrhae. 

Actions .—Myrrh is antiseptic, astringent, stimulant and 


i 3 2 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


expectorant. Its emmenagogue properties are supposed to 
come from its stimulating effect on uterus and ovaries. 

Uses .—It is used principally as a gargle for sore mouth and 
throat, and for spongy gums, and as an application to indolent 
ulcers. Also to some extent in amenorrhea. 

Cantharides is described under epispastics. 

Potassium permanganate is described under antiseptics. 

Aloes is described under cathartics. 

Sabina—savin —is the tops of an evergreen shrub growing in 
northern countries. Dose, 7J grs. 

Preparations .—Fluidextractum sabinae—fluidextract of savin. 
Dose, 5 rrp Oleum sabinae—oil of savin. Dose, 1 up 

Actions .—The oil is the active principle. Applied externally it 
is very irritating—causing redness, pain and vesication. Taken 
internally it irritates the gastro-intestinal and urinary tracts. It 
causes hyperemia of the uterus and ovaries and so increases 
menstruation. The pregnant uterus will contract under its 
administration. 

Uses. — It may be used externally as a counterirritant. It is 
given to some extent to increase the menstrual flow; and has 
long been used with criminal intent to produce abortion. 

Iron is described under tonics. 


EXPECTORANTS. 


Drugs which aid in expelling the contents of the bronchial 
tubes. 


Ammonium Chloride 

Ammonium Carbonate 

Creosote 

Terpin Hydrate 

Squill 

Ipecac 


Senega 

Eucalyptus 

Tar 

Grindelia 
Tartar Emetic 


Ammonii chloridum—ammonium chloride or sal am¬ 
moniac —occurs as a white crystalline powder, odorless but 
having a saline taste. Dose, 7J grs. 


EXPECTORANTS. 


*33 


Actions. —Ammonium chloride increases the secretion of the 
bronchial and gastric mucous membranes. 

Uses. —It is given largely as an expectorant either alone or in 
combination with other remedies, in bronchitis and pneumonia. 
In pharyngitis, laryngitis and bronchitis it is often given in the 
form of compressed tablets. It is recommended in gastritis 
associated with jaundice. 

Ammonii carbonas—ammonium carbonate or harts¬ 
horn or sal volatile —occurs as hard, white, translucent masses, 
having a strong odor and a sharp saline taste. It loses its am¬ 
monia on exposure to the air. Dose, 4 grs. 

Actions. —Ammonium carbonate has the stimulating effect 
on the heart and respiration that ammonia itself has. Large 
doses internally are very irritating. Medicinal doses increase 
bronchial secretion and render it more fluid. 

Uses. —It is given as a quick stimulant in sudden collapse, 
and largely in cough mixtures as an expectorant. 

Creosotum—creosote —is obtained from the distillation of 
wood—preferably beech. It is a yellowish, oily liquid, having 
a smoky odor and burning taste. Dose, 3 rq. 

Preparations. —Aqua creosotii. Dose, 2 fl. dr. 

Actions. —Externally creosote is irritant, antiseptic and mildly 
anesthetic. From being excreted by the bronchial mucous mem¬ 
brane, it is a pulmonary antiseptic. Large doses irritate the 
kidneys. 

Uses. —Small doses are sometimes given to relieve vomiting. 
Its chief use, however, is as a pulmonary antiseptic. 

Terpini hydras—terpin hydrate —made from turpentine, 
occurs as colorless prisms, nearly odorless and having a slightly 
bitter taste. Dose, 2 gr. 

Actions. —Terpin hydrate is antiseptic. It increases the 
secretion of the mucous membranes. 

Uses. —Chiefly as a pulmonary antiseptic in bronchitis. 


134 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


Scilla—squill or sea onion—is the bulb of a plant growing 
on the shores of the Mediterranean. Dose, gr. ii. 

Preparations. —Acetum scillae—vinegar of squill. Dose, rq xv. 
Fluidextractum scillae—fluidextract of squill. Dose, ij rq. 
Tinctura scillae—tincture of squill. Dose, 15 rq. Syrupus 
scillae—syrup of squill. Dose, 30 rq. Syrupus scillae compositus 
—compound syrup of squill. Dose, 30 rq. 

Actions. —Squill like digitalis, slows the heart and raises blood 
pressure. It is a gastro-intestinal irritant, small doses some¬ 
times causing nausea. Bronchial secretion and secretion from 
the kidneys are both increased. Large doses may cause renal 
irritation. 

Uses. —Squill may be given in combination with other reme¬ 
dies as a diuretic in dropsies not due to renal disease. Its 
chief use, however, is as an expectorant in subacute and chronic 
bronchitis. 

Ipecac is described under emetics. 

Senega—senega —is the dried root of a plant growing in 
the United States. Dose, gr. xv. 

Preparations. —Fluidextractum senegae—fluidextract of senega. 
Dose, 10 to 20 rq. Syrupus senegae—syrup of senega. Dose, 
1 fl. dr. Syrupus scillae compositus—compound syrup of squill. 
Dose, 30 rq. 

Actions. —Senega is irritating to the gastro-intestinal tract. 
It is a pronounced stimulating expectorant. 

Uses. —It is given in combination with other remedies in 
bronchitis to increase secretion. 

Eucalyptus — eucalyptus —the dried leaves of a tree growing 
in subtropical countries. Dose, gr. 30. 

Preparations. —Fluidextractum eucalypti—fluidextract of eu¬ 
calyptus. Dose, 30 rq. Oleum eucalypti—oil of eucalyptus. 
Dose, 8 rq. Eucalyptol. Dose, 5 rq. 

Actions. —Externally eucalyptus is irritating to the skin. 


EXPECTORANTS. 


I 35 


It is antiseptic, being more energetic than phenol. Internally 
it stimulates the heart reflexly from the stomach. It is excreted 
through the bronchial mucous membrane and the kidneys and 
stimulates both. 

Uses .—It is used in surgery as an antiseptic, and enters into 
numerous mouth washes and sprays. It is given for its stimu¬ 
lating and disinfecting action on the bronchial mucous membrane. 
Eucalyptus was at one time considered an antiperiodic. Its 
action as such, however, has been over-rated. 

Pix liquida—tar —obtained by distilling pine wood. Dose, 
7 i grs. 

Preparations .—Syrupus picis liquidae—syrup of tar. Dose, 
: fl. dr. Unguentum picis liquidae—tar ointment and oleum 
picis liquidae—oil of tar. Dose, 3 rtp. 

Actions .—Tar applied locally is irritating; the vapor inhaled, 
is stimulating and disinfectant to the bronchial mucous mem¬ 
brane. It is antiseptic and disinfectant. Internally it stimu- 
laes the bronchial mucous membrane and the kidneys. Large 
dcses cause hematuria. 

Uses. —Externally, tar is used very largely in the treatment of 
skh diseases, especially those of a chronic type. Internally, it is 
us(d as an expectorant, generally combined with other remedies. 

Grindelia—grindelia —the dried leaves and flowering tops 
of wo varieties of a plant growing in western United States. 
Do;e, 30 gr. 

Ireparation .—Fluidextractum grindeliae—fluidextract of grin- 
dela. Dose, 30 n\. 

actions .—Grindelia increases bronchial and urinary secre- 
tioi, and also relaxes the muscular coats of the bronchi. 

Xses .—It is used chiefly as a remedy in spasmodic asthma, 
but may be given with other remedies as an expectorant in sub- 
acue and chronic bronchitis. 

Tartar emetic is described under emetics. 


13 6 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


QUESTIONS. 

Define emetic. 

Give the list of them. 

Method of using apomorphine as an emetic. 

Action and uses of ipecac. Dose. 

Define emmenagogue. 

Action of manganese dioxide. Dose. 

Uses of myrrh. 

Action and use of savin. 

Define expectorant and give list of them. 

Action, uses, and dose, ammonium chloride carbonate and creosote. 
What is creosote obtained from. 

Action, use and dose of squill. 

Uses of eucalyptus. 

Action, use and preparations of tar. 


CHAPTER XXVI. 
HYPNOTICS. 


Drugs used to produce sleep resembling natural sleep. 


Trional 

Sulphonal 

Bromides 

Chloral 


Hyoscine 

Opium 

Paraldehyde 

Chloralamide 


Trional—sulphonethylmethane —is a synthetic compound 
occurring as colourless, odorless, crystalline scales, having a 
bitter taste in solution. Dose, 15 gr. 

Actions .—Trional is a prompt hypnotic. It is said to have 
no unpleasant after effects or to be depressing to the heart. 

Uses .—It is given in insomnia from whatever cause, and as a 
sedative to delirious or insane patients. 

Sulponal—sulphonmethane —is a synthetic compound, oc¬ 
curring as colorless, inodorous, nearly tasteless crystals, only 
slightly soluble in water. Dose, 15 gr. 

Actions .—Sulphonal is a sure hypnotic, though slower in its 
action than trional. Some depression is likely to follow its 
administration. 

Uses .—It is given solely to produce sleep. 

Bromides are described under antispasmodics. 

Chloral is described under antispasmodics. 

Hyoscinae hydrobromidum—hyoscine hydrobromide— is 
the hydrobromide of an alkaloid obtained from hyoscyamus or 
henbane. Dose, y-gy gr. 

Actions .—Hyoscine paralyzes accommodation and dilates the 
pupil of the eye. It is powerfully depressant to the brain and 
hence hypnotic. 

Uses .—It is used chiefly as a hypnotic for the insane, in de¬ 
lirium tremens and in various nervous conditions. 

Opium is described under antispasmodics. 


i37 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


138 


Paraldehydum—paraldehyde —is a synthetic compound oc¬ 
curring as a colorless liquid, having a very characteristic odor and 
a burning, disagreeable taste. Dose, 30 rip. 

Actions .—Paraldehyde is antiseptic. Its chief action, however, 
is hypnotic. 

Uses .—Because of its disagreeable odor and taste it is rarely 
given but in hospitals for the insane. 

Chloralformamiduin—chloralamide —is a synthetic com¬ 
pound occurring as colorless crystals, without odor, but having 
a bitter taste. Dose, 15 gr. 

Actions .—Chloralamide is a cerebral depressant, and will 
produce sleep slowly, though with less certainty than chloral. 

Uses .—It is used altogether as a hypnotic. In the presence of 
pain it has little or no effect. 

Hyoscyamus—henbane —the leaves of a plant cultivated in 
temperate climates. Dose, 1 to 5 gr. 

Official Preparations. —Extract, dose 1 to 2 grains. Fluidex- 
tract, dose, 5 to 5 rrp Tincture, dose, 15 to 60 n\. Hyoscine, 
hyoscyamine, hydrobromide and sulphate, dose, gr. 

Action and Use .—It is used almost exclusively to procure 
sleep and to quiet irregular nervous action. It will allay nervous 
irritation in hysteria and in cough, and prevents griping when given 
with vegetable cathartics. 


INTESTINAL ANTISEPTICS. 


Drugs used to check intestinal fermentation and decomposition. 


Beta naphthol 


Bichloride of Mercury 
Oil of Turpentine 
Thymol 

Sulphocarbolates 


Salal 

Bismuth Salts 
Salicylic Acid 


Beta naphthol—naphtol —is obtained from coal tar. Dose, 
4 gr. 

Actions .—Beta naphthol is antiseptic and irritant. Large 
doses produce acute nephritis. 


INTESTINAL ANTISEPTICS. 


139 


Uses. —Externally it is used in ointments, in the treatment of 
parasitic skin diseases. It is used largely internally as an intestinal 
antiseptic. 

Phenylis salicylas—phenyl salicylate or salol —is made by 
the union of salicylic and carbolic acids. Dose, 7J gr. 

Actions. —In the intestines, salol is split into salicylic and car¬ 
bolic acids, so that its action is really the combined actions of 
these two drugs. It is therefore antipyretic and an intestinal 
antiseptic. 

Uses. —It is sometimes given in rheumatism, but is used chiefly 
as an intestinal antiseptic in acute diarrhea. Because of its excre¬ 
tion by the kidneys, it is a urinary antiseptic and of value in 
certain infections. 

Bismuth salts are described under astringents. 

Salicylic acid is described under antipyretics. 

Bichloride of mercury is described under antiseptics. 

Oil of turpentine is described under anthelmintics. 

Thymol—thymol —is obtained from the volatile oil of a plant 
growing in many parts of the world. Dose, 2 gr. 

Actions. —Its actions are very similar to those of carbolic acid, 
though it is less toxic. As an antiseptic it is more powerful. 
It will arrest fermentation in the alimentary canal and is an 
efficient anthelmintic against a certain round worm of the small 
intestine—the Ankylostoma duodenale. 

Uses. —Thymol enters into many antiseptic solutions. It may 
be used as an intestinal antiseptic and to kill the parasite spoken 
of above. 

Thymolis iodidum—aristol. A powder made directly from 
thymol, thymolis iodidum—thymol iodide or aristol, is very 
largely used in surgery as a dusting powder. 

Sodii phenolsulphonas—sodium phenolsulphonate or 
sodium sulphocarbolate. Dose, 4 gr. Zinci phenolsul¬ 
phonas—zinc phenolsulphonate or zinc sulphocarbolate. 



140 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


Dose, 2 gr. These preparations are formed by the combination 
of sulphuric acid, phenol and sodium carbonate, and of sul¬ 
phuric acid, phenol and zinc oxide respectively. 

A ctions .—The action of the sulphocarbolates is very similar to 
that of carbolic acid, though they are less irritating and less pois¬ 
onous. Externally in solution they are mildly antiseptic. Inter¬ 
nally they act as intestinal antiseptics. The zinc preparation is 
much more astringent than the sodium. 

Uses .—They are used externally as applications to diseased 
mucous membranes; internally to check fermentation in the 
alimentary canal. 


OXYTOCICS. 

Drugs used to establish or increase uterine contractions. 

Ergot Quinine 

Hydrastis Cotton Root 

Ergota—ergot —is a fungus growing on the heads of various 
grains—particularly that of rye. It comes chiefly from Spain 
and Russia. Dose, 30 gr. 

Preparations .—Fluidextractum ergotae—fluidextract of ergot. 
Dose, 30 n\. Extractum ergotae—extract of ergot. Dose, 7 J gr. 
Vinum ergotae—wine of ergot. Dose, 2 fl. dr. 

Actions .—Ergot increases peristaltic action. There is a 
general contraction of the arteries of the body with a consequent 
rise of blood pressure. Due to this arterial contraction, it is 
hemostatic. Ergot will cause contractions of the pregnant or 
recently emptied uterus. 

Uses .—Given chiefly postpartum to cause contractions of the 
uterus and so prevent hemorrhage. It may, however, be used 
in other hemorrhages—as in those from the stomach, nose, 
lungs, kidneys, or intestines. 

Chronic poisoning or ergotism shows itself in two forms— 
the gangrenous and the convulsive. In the former, gangrene 



OXYTOCICS. 


141 

results in various parts of the body from the continued spasm of 
the arteries. In the latter, after numerous nervous symptoms, 
such as itching or tingling of the skin, anesthesia, or disturb¬ 
ances of vision, clonic convulsions begin. 

Hydrastis—hydrastis (golden-seal) —the dried root of a 
plant growing in North America. Dose, 30 gr. 

Preparations .—Fluidextractum hydrastis—fluidextract of hy¬ 
drastis. Dose, 30 n\. Tinctura hydrastis—tincture of hy¬ 
drastis. Dose, 1 fl. dr. Glyceritum hydrastis—glycerite of hy¬ 
drastis. Dose, 30 irp. Hydrastina—hydrastine. Dose, gr. 
Hydrastininae hydrochloridum—hydrastinine hydrochloride. 

Dose, gr. J. 

Actions .—Applied to mucous membrane, hydrastis causes 
contractions of dilated blood-vessels. Taken internally it is 
stomachic. There is a general rise of blood pressure due to con¬ 
traction of arterioles. Hydrastis is said to have a decided anti- 
periodic action. Much doubt has been cast on its supposed 
ability to cause contractions of the pregnant uterus. 

Uses .—Hydrastis is used largely as an application in chronic 
inflammations of various mucous membranes. It may be given 
internally for hemorrhage—particularly hemorrhage from the 
uterus. 

Quinine is described under antiperiodics. 

Gossypii cortex—cotton root bark —the dried bark of the 
root of a plant growing in subtropical countries. Dose, 30 gr. 

Actions .—Very similar to those of ergot. 

Uses .—Largely as a hemostatic in uterine hemorrhage from 
various causes. 


QUESTIONS. 


Define hypnotic. 

Give the names of them. 

Source, action and uses of, and official 
names of trional and sulphonal. 
Define intestinal antiseptic. 

Give the list of them. 

Official name of salol. 


Action and use of beta-naphthol and salol. 
Action and use of thymol. 

Define oxytocics. 

Name the oxytocics. 

What is ergot? 

What are its actions, use and dose? 
Action, use and dose of hydrastis. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 


PARASITICIDES. 

Drugs applied locally to destroy parasites of the cutaneous 
surfaces. 


Antiseptics 

Chrysarobin 

Mercury 

Ichthyol 


Sulphur 
Pyrogallic Acid 
B. Naphthol 
Iodine 

Staphisagria 


Antiseptics of all kinds are used more or less as parasiticides. 
In this class come mercury, boric acid, carbolic acid, etc. 

Chrysarobinum—chrysarobin —is a neutral principle from 
a substance found deposited in the wood of a tree growing 
in East India. Dose, J gr. 

Preparation. — Unguentum chrysarobini—chrysarobin oint¬ 
ment. 

Actions .—Chrysarobin is very irritating to skin and mucous 
membrane. It will destroy organisms of a fungous type. It 
stains skin and clothing a yellowish-brown or purple. The 
stains may be removed by a weak solution of chlorinated lime 
or caustic soda, if no soap or alkali be used first. 

Uses .—Principally as a parasiticide in the various forms of 
tinea, and for its stimulating action in chronic skin affections. 

Mercury is described under alteratives. Blue ointment 
(unguentum hydrargyri) and ammoniated mercury ointment 
(unguentum hydrargyri ammoniati) are the two preparations 
most generally used as parasiticides. 

Ichthyol is described under alteratives. 

Sulphur is described under cathartics. 

Pyrogallol—pyrogallic acid —is obtained by heating gallic 
acid. 


142 


RUBEFACIENTS. 


J 4 3 


Actions .—Internally pyrogallic acid is a poison causing de¬ 
struction of the red blood corpuscles and intense irritation of the 
kidneys. These poisonous effects may come through absorp¬ 
tion through the skin. The mineral acids act as antidotes. 
Pyrogallic acid is irritant to the skin and decidedly antiseptic. 
It leaves a dark stain on skin and clothing. 

Uses .—It is seldom or never given internally, and even exter¬ 
nally should be used cautiously because of danger of absorption. 
Its chief use is in the treatment of parasitic skin affections such 
as pityriasis versicolor and the various forms of tenia. It has 
also been used extensively in the treatment of psoriasis. 

Beta-naphthol is described under intestinal antiseptics. 

Iodine is described under alteratives. 

Staphisagria—larkspur. The ripe seed of a plant growing 
in the countries bordering on the Mediterranean sea, particularly 
France and Italy. Dose, i gr. 

Preparations .—Fluidextractum staphisagriae—fluidextract of 
stavesacre seed. Dose, i n\. Also there is an unofficial tincture. 

Uses .—The drug has been used as an emetic and cathartic, but 
owing to its poisonous action, which is similar to that of aconite, 
it is but little used internally. In the form of tincture it is much 
used externally for killing lice and other vermin infecting the 
human body. 

RUBEFACIENTS. 

Drugs or preparations which applied to the skin produce red¬ 
ness. 

Ammonia Camphor Liniment 

Iodine Chloroform Liniment 

Capsicum Turpentine Liniment 

Mustard 

Ammonia is described under “ ant-acids.” 

Iodine is described under “alteratives.” 

Capsicum — capsicum (cayenne pepper) — the dried ripe 
fruit of a shrub growing in tropical America. Dose, i gr. 


144 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


Preparations .—Fluidextractum capsici—fluidextract of cap¬ 
sicum. Dose, i np. Oleoresina capsici—oleoresin of capsi¬ 
cum. Dose, i rp. Tinctura capsici—tincture of capsicum. 
Dose, 8 n\. Emplastrum capsici—capsicum plaster. 

Actions .—Applied locally, capsicum produces redness and 
burning, and if the action is prolonged, will destroy the cuticle. 
Small doses internally are stomachic; large doses produce gastro¬ 
enteritis and irritation of the kidneys and bladder. 

Uses .—Capsicum enters into many rubefacient liniments. 
Internally it is given for its stomachic properties. It is espe¬ 
cially useful in the atony of the stomach found in alcoholics. 

Sinapis alba (white mustard) and sinapis nigra (black 
mustard) are the seeds from two varieties of a plant cultivated 
in Europe. 

Preparations .—Charta sinapis—mustard paper. Oleum sin¬ 
apis volatile—volatile oil of mustard. 

Actions .—Externally mustard is rubefacient and counter- 
irritant. Prolonged application may produce blistering. In¬ 
ternally in two dram doses, mustard is emetic. 

Uses .—Because of its counter-irritant properties, mustard is 
used to relieve pain. Stirred into warm water, it is often given 
as an emetic. 


STOMACHICS. 


Sometimes called “bitter tonics,” are drugs or preparations 
which increase appetite and digestion by stimulating the pro¬ 
duction of gastric juice. 


Gentian 

Cardamom 

Quassia 

Calumba 


Dandelion 
Serpentaria 
Prunus Virginiana 
Cinchona 
Nux Vomica 


Gentiana—gentian —the dried root of a plant growing in 
central and southern Europe. Dose, 15 gr. 


STOMACHICS. 


145 


Preparations. —Extractum gentianae—extract of gentian. 
Dose, 4 gr. Fluidextractum gentianae—fluidextract of gentian. 
Dose, 15 nx- Tinctura gentianae composita—compound tincture 
of gentian. Dose, 1 fl. dr. 

Actions. —By irritation of the terminal nerves (gustatory) 
in the mouth, the flow of saliva and gastric juice is reflexly 
stimulated by gentian as by all the simple bitters. Hyperemia 
of the mucous membrane of the stomach is produced and the 
flow still further augmented. An artificial hunger arises in 
consequence and digestion is improved. 

Uses. —Gentian may be given in all debilitated conditions, 
where the appetite is poor and digestion sluggish. It should, 
however, be avoided in acute or subacute inflammation of the 
stomach. 

Cardamomum—cardamom. The dried ripe fruit of a plant 
growing in the East. Dose, 15 gr. 

Preparations. —Tinctura cardamomi—tincture of cardamom. 
Dose, 1 fl. dr. Tinctura cardamomi composita—compound 
tincture of cardamom. Dose, 1 fl. dr. 

Actions. —Like gentian, cardamom is stomachic. It is in 
addition a carminative. 

Uses. —It is given largely as a simple bitter and in colic due 
to flatulence. It is also a valuable flavoring agent. 

Quassia is described under anthelmintics. 

Calumba — calumba. The dried root of a plant growing in 
eastern Africa. Dose, 30 gr. 

Preparations. —Fluidextractum calumbae—fluidextract of cal¬ 
umba. Dose, 30 rq. Tinctura calumbae—tincture of calumba. 
Dose, 1 fl. dr. 

Actions. —Like all simple bitters, calumba increases the flow 
of saliva and gastric juice. 

Uses. —It may be given in debilitated conditions to increase 
appetite and digestion. 

10 


146 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


Nux vomica—nux vomica —is the seed of a small tree grow¬ 
ing in India and the East Indian Islands. It should contain not 
less than 1.25 per cent, of its alkaloid, strychnine. Dose, 1 gr. 

Preparations. —Extractum nucis vomicae—extract of nux 
vomica. Dose, J gr. Fluidextractum nucis vomicae—fluidex- 
tract of nux vomica. Dose, 1 irp Tinctura nucis vomicae— 
tincture of nux vomica. Dose, 10 up Strychnina—strychnine, 
an alkaloid of nux vomica is described under cardiac tonics. 

Actions. —Nux vomica stimulates the appetite and digestion, 
and by directly stimulating the muscular coat of the bowel 
increases peristalsis. Because of the strychnine it contains, the 
heart and respiration are stimulated. Large doses give the symp¬ 
toms of strychnine poisoning. 

Uses. —Nux vomica is given largely as a bitter tonic. It is 
useful combined with hydrochloric acid and some other bitter, 
such as gentian, in impaired digestion. It is often given as a 
cardiac tonic and for its general tonic effect in depressed bodily 
conditions. 

Taraxacum—dandelion. The dried root of a plant growing 
in Europe and the United States. Dose, 120 grs. 

Preparations. —Extractum taraxici—extract of taraxacum. 
Dose, 15 gr. Fluidextractum taraxaci—fluidextract of tarax¬ 
acum. Dose, 2 fl. dr 

Actions. —Chiefly that of a simple bitter. 

Uses. —It is given to increase appetite and digestion. 

Serpentaria — Virginia snakeroot. The dried stalk and 
root of a plant growing in the United States. Dose, 15 grs. 

Preparations. —Fluidextractum serpentariae—fluidextract • of 
serpentaria. Dose, 15 rep Tinctura serpentariae—tincture of 
serpentaria. 

Actions. —Besides being a simple bitter, serpentaria is a 
stimulant expectorant. Large doses cause gastro-intestinal irri¬ 
tation 


STOMACHICS. 


147 


Uses. —It may be given as a stomachic, bat Is more generally 
used in capillary bronchitis and pneumonia as an expectorant. 

Prunus virginiana — wild cherry. The bark of a tree 
growing in the eastern United States. Dose, 30 gr. 

Preparations . — Fluidextractum pruni virginianae—fluidextract 
of wild cherry. Dose, 30 rt|. Infusum pruni virginianae—in¬ 
fusion of wild cherry. Dose, 2 fl. oz. Syrupus pruni virgini¬ 
anae—syrup of wild cherry. Dose, 1 fl. dr. 

Actions .—Wild cherry is stomachic and sedative. 

Uses .—It is useful in debilitated conditions, but is more gener¬ 
ally given in cough mixtures. 

Cinchona is described under antiperiodics. 

QUESTIONS. 

Define parasiticide. 

Name them. 

What is the action and use of pyrogallic acid. 

Define rubefacient. 

Name the rubefacients. 

Action and use of capsicum. 

Define stomachics. 

Name the stomachics. 

Action and use of gentian and cardamom 

Action, use and dose of nux vomica. 


CHAPTER XXVIII. 


TONICS. 

Drugs used to increase the nutrition of the body. 

Iron Stomachics 

Manganese Hypophosphites 

Ferrum—metallic iron —is official as fine wire and as re¬ 
duced iron (ferrum reductum). 

Ferrum reductum—reduced iron —is formed by the action 
of hydrogen on ferric oxide. It comes as a fine greyish-black 
powder without odor or taste. Dose, i gr. 

The preparations of iron are so numerous that only a few of 
the more important ones will be described. 

Ferri sulphas—ferrous sulphate (copperas or green vit¬ 
riol) —occurs as large, pale, bluish-green prisms having a styptic 
taste. Dose, 3 grs. 

Preparations. — Mistura ferri compositus — compound iron 
mixture or Griffith’s mixture. Dose, 4 fl. dr. Pilulae ferri car- 
bonatis—pills of ferrous carbonate or Blaud’s pills. Dose, 1 
or 2 pills. 

Massa ferri carbonatis—mass of ferrous carbonate or 
Vallet’s mass. Dose, 4 gr. 

Syrupus ferri iodidi—syrup of ferrous iodide. Dose, 15rq. 

Liquor ferri chloridi — solution of ferric chloride —con¬ 
taining 29 per cent, of the salt. Dose, ij rq. 

Tinctura ferri chloridi — tincture of ferric chloride. 

Dose, 8 rq. 

Liquor ferri et ammonii acetatis—solution of iron and 
ammonium acetate or Basham’s mixture. Dose, 4 fl. dr. 

Liquor ferri subsulphatis—solution of ferric subsul¬ 
phate or Monsel’s solution. Dose, 3 rq. 

148 



TONICS. 


149 


Ferri hydroxidum cum magnesii oxido—ferric hydroxide 
with magnesium oxide or arsenic antidote. Dose, 4 fl. oz. 

Syrupus ferri, quininae et strychninae phosphatum— 
syrup of iron, quinine and strychnine phosphate. Dose, 
1 fl. dr. 

Elixir ferri quininae et strychninae phosphatum— 
elixir of iron, quinine and strychnine phosphate. Dose, 
1 fl. dr. 

Ferri et strychninae citras—iron and strychnine citrate. 

Dose, 2 gr. 

Ferri et quininae citras — iron and quinine citrate. 

Dose, 4 gr. 

Actions. —Iron and its salts applied to the unbroken skin 
have no effect; applied to mucous membranes or abraded sur¬ 
faces they are astringent and hemostatic. Solutions of the fer¬ 
rous and ferric salts are more or less antiseptic and deodorant. 
Ferrous sulphate (copperas) is perhaps the most used in this 
way. Internally iron and its salts blacken the tongue and 
teeth. The tincture of ferric chloride attacks the enamel, even 
when much diluted because of the excess of acid, and so should 
be given through a glass tube. In the stomach, iron is irritant 
and astringent. In whatever form given, it is probably changed 
in the stomach into the chloride and later into albuminates. 
The astringent effect is noticed in the intestines—the secretions 
are lessened and constipation often results. Iron is supposed 
to be absorbed from the intestines as an albuminate and enters 
directly into the formation of new red blood corpuscles. This 
is true only in impoverished states of the blood, as in secondary 
anemias and chlorosis. Nutrition is improved and all the vital 
processes quickened, so that iron is spoken of as “tonic.” 

Uses. —Iron, particularly Monseks solution, was formerly 
much used as a local hemostatic. Ferric chloride in solution 
or tincture, diluted, is often painted on the throat in pharyngitis 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


!5° 

or tonsillitis. Internally iron is sometimes given for gastric and 
intestinal hemorrhage and for diarrhea. The ferric hydroxide 
with magnesium oxide makes a very valuable antidote in arsen¬ 
ical poisoning. The insoluble arsenite is formed, and this can be 
gotten rid of by some simple purgative. The chief use of iron 
is in the secondary anemias and chlorosis to increase the hemo¬ 
globin, and number of red blood corpuscles. In pernicious 
anemia, leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease and exophthalmic goitre 
it has been found useless. 

Basham’s mixture (liquor ferri et ammonii acetatis) and 
tincture of ferric chloride are frequently given in chronic 
Bright’s disease. The benefit derived comes probably from 
its tonic effect and not from any specific action on the kidneys. 
Manganese is described under emmenagogues. 

Stomachics, such as nux vomica, gentian, cardamom, etc., 
increase appetite and digestion. The general nutrition is im¬ 
proved, hence they are tonic. 

Calcii hypophosphis—calcium hypophosphite. Dose, 

74 gr- 

Sodii hypophosphis—sodium hypophosphite. Dose, 15 gr. 
Potassii hypophosphis—potassium hypophosphite. Dose, 
7 i g r - 

Ferri hypophosphis —ferric hypophosphite. Dose, 3 gr. 
Mangani hypophosphis — manganese hypophosphite. 

Dose, 3 gr. 

Syrupus hypophosphitum—syrup of hypophosphites. 

Dose, 2 fl. dr. 

Syrupus hypophosphitum compositus—compound syrup 
of hypophosphites. Dose, 2 fl. dr. 

Actions .—The hypophosphites are supposed by many to have 
some special influence on nutrition, especially where poor nutri¬ 
tion is the outcome of a depressed nervous state, as in neuras¬ 
thenia. 


TONICS. 


151 

Uses .—They are given largely as tonics in neurasthenia, in 
tuberculosis and in various other cachectic conditions. They 
form the basis of a great many of the proprietary tonics on the 
market. 


QUESTIONS. 

Define tonic. 

Name the tonics. 

Actions and uses of the iron salts. 

Actions and uses of the hypophosphites. 


CHAPTER XXIX. 


THE MEASUREMENT OF HEAT AND SPECIFIC GRAVITY. 

All bodies expand when heated and contract when cooled, 
and advantage is taken of this natural phenomenon, in measur¬ 
ing heat by means of the thermometer. 

Mercury or colored alcohol is enclosed in a glass tube of 
fine bore, and its contraction or expansion caused by changes 
of temperature causes it to fall or rise in the tube. The fall and 
rise is read in figures by numbering the regularly placed lines 
attached to the tube, the spaces from line to line being called 
degrees. 

There are two scales in use, the Fahrenheit and the Centigrade. 
The’ former is in common use in America, but in all scientific 
books, including the Pharmacopoeia, the Centigrade scale is used. 
They are both practical applications of the same principle, the 
one in an accidental, the other in a well calculated manner. 

Mercury is the most suitable fluid for the purpose, registering 
a very high degree without boiling and a very low one without 
freezing. It will freeze, however, at 40° below zero Fahrenheit, 
and for very low temperatures alcohol is used. 

The difference between the freezing and boiling points of the 
two scales may be thus explained: A thermometer tube was 
attached to a thin metallic plate and the plate graduated into 
several hundred degrees. The instrument was plunged into 
freezing water and the mercury came to rest at the number 32, and 
it was adopted as the freezing point. The instrument was then 
plunged into boiling water and the mercury came to rest at 212, 
which figures were selected as the boiling point. Later the 

152 


THE MEASUREMENT OF HEAT AND SPECIFIC GRAVITY. 153 

Centigrade scale was arranged in the following way: The tube 
was attached to an unnumbered scale. The point at which 
the mercury came to rest in freezing water, was marked zero and 
that at which it came to rest in boiling water w r as marked ioo. 
There being ioo° between the freezing and boiling points the 
scale was called the Centi-grade (ioo gradations) ther¬ 
mometer. 

The rules for translating the degrees of one scale into degrees 
of the other are easier to master if explained. They are based 
upon the relative difference in the number of degrees between 
freezing and boiling. 

The two scales placed side by side are: 


F 


212— 



Boiling Point 
Freezing Point 



It will be seen that from freezing to boiling, Fahrenheit, there 
are i8o°; while from freezing to boiling, Centigrade, there are but 
ioo°. These numbers reduced are as 1.8 to i, so that every time 
a Centigrade thermometer rises or falls one degree, the Fahrenheit 
rises or falls 1.8 degrees. 

To change a Centigrade degree to the corresponding Fahrenheit 
degree: 

Multiply the degree by 1.8, and if it is above freezing, add 
that number to the freezing point which is 32. If it is below 
freezing subtract it from 32. 

To change Fahrenheit to Centigrade: 

First find how many degrees above freezing (32) your figure 
is and divide by 1.8. By a rule of three sum this is made plain 
either way. 

The figures 9 and 5 are sometimes used, being the boiling 
points of the two scales, reduced to the lowest whole numbers. 




154 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


io° CENTIGRADE TO FAHRENHEIT. 

i : 1.8 : : io° C. : x = 50° F. 

10 

1) 18.0 

18. + 32 = 50 = x 
or 

5 : 9 : : io° C. : x = 50° F. 

10 

5) 90 

18 + 32 = 50 = x 

50° FAHRENHEIT TO CENTIGRADE. 

1.8 : 1 : : 50° F. : x = io° C. 

18 32 

1.8)18.0 18° above freezing. 

10 = x 

or 

9:5:: 50° F. : x == io° C. 

18 32 

9) 90 18 0 above freezing. 

io° C. = x 

Specific Gravity. —Specific gravity is the comparative weight 
of equal bulks, water being used as the standard of comparison. 

When we speak of the weight of bodies in their natural condi¬ 
tion, we speak of them as being lighter or heavier than water, 
bulk for bulk. 

The most exact way to take the specific gravity of a fluid is 
by means of the specific gravity bottle. The specific gravity 
of water is 1. A bottle is so marked, that when filled exactly to 
that mark, it will hold 1000 grains of water. 

If the bottle is filled to the mark with ether it will be found to 
weigh yVoij of that number of grains and if the fraction is written 
decimally, thus, 0.725, they represent its specific gravity. 
Taking an equal bulk of chloroform we find it weighs 490 grains 
more than the water or 1490 grains and pointing off three places, 
thus 1.490, we have the specific gravity of chloroform. 

In taking the specific gravity of urine, an instrument called 
a urinometer is used. It is made of glass, resembling in form 












THE MEASUREMENT OF HEAT AND SPECIFIC GRAVITY. 155 

a thermometer, the blub being larger. The tube is graduated 
and the bulb loaded sufficiently with shot to cause the tube to 
float upright in the urine when immersed in it. The specific 
gravity of the urine is shown by the figure at the surface of the 
urine in which the instrument is floated. 

QUESTIONS. 

Give boiling and freezing points F. and C. 

How are F.° changed to C.° and vice versa? 

How is specific gravity taken with a specific gravity bottle? 


CHAPTER XXX. 

TOXICOLOGY. 

Toxicology is the study of the effects of poisons and their 
antidotes. 

By a poison is meant any substance, which, if introduced into 
the animal system, will produce painful or dangerous disorder 
or death. The study is more particularly directed to the effects 
and antidotes to the effects of those drugs which, because they 
are odorless or tasteless, or because the fatal dose is very small 
and their action very rapid, are used by suicides and murderers, 
besides the deaths occasioned by their mistaken administration 
by physicians, pharmacists and nurses. 

The nurse should be able to distinguish, in a general w r ay, the 
symptoms caused by poisoning. 

The action of a poison is sudden. The symptoms of irritation 
in the stomach, when present, are violent. The disturbances 
to the heart, lungs and brain, are more profound, or become 
so much more rapidly than in the course of ordinary disease. 
Muscular contortions are much more violent and the symptoms 
reach a higher point much more rapidly than they do in the 
course of ordinary disease. 

Poisons are divided into two classes, irritants and narcotics. 
The irritant poisons take effect immediately on coming into 
contact with the digestive tract. They cause discomfort and pain 
in the mouth, throat and stomach, the effects, in the case of a 
volatile poison like ammonia, extending even to the nasal pas¬ 
sages. The coatings of the parts with which the poison comes 
in contact, are partly or wholly destroyed. Such severe treat¬ 
ment of vital parts causes faintness and shock, and altogether 

156 


TOXICOLOGY. 


157 


the effects are such and so plainly to be seen, that the question 
instinctively springs to the lips of the observer, “What have 
you been taking ?” 

The contrary is the case in poisoning by narcotics. They do 
not act until they have entered the circulation and the symptoms 
do not appear until some time has passed since the swallowing 
of the poison, when it is too late to try to arrest its action by 
emptying the stomach. 

Narcotic poisons, besides some characteristic effects produced 
by some of them by which the name of the drug employed may be 
discovered, all produce drowsiness which rapidly passes beyond 
the control of the patient, unconsciousness, coma and death 
following in rapid order unless restoratives are applied. 

ANTIDOTES. 

A physician should be sent for immediately upon the discovery 
of a poisoned person. 

Antidotes are of two kinds, chemical and physiological. When 
possible, the nature of the poison should be ascertained in order 
that the poisoned one may be more intelligently treated. This 
it is often impossible to do, except the symptoms are decidedly 
characteristic. The patient may be unconscious, may not wish 
to tell or perhaps has taken the poison accidentally and does not 
know. 

It is the custom, especially if a physician is at hand, even in 
the case of corrosive poisons to empty the stomach by the use of 
the stomach tube or an emetic. 

The most commonly used emetic, because commonly at hand, 
is mustard. A tablespoonful of it, mixed with a glass of warm 
water, will usually act as an emetic, soon after it is swallowed. 
Large draughts of warm water or salt and water also act as emet¬ 
ics. Other substances and means will occur to a physician 
according to circumstances. 


158 MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 

If the poison used is known to have been a chemical substance 
and its name can be learned, a chemical antidote may be used. 
By a chemical antidote is meant one which when given to the 
patient will form an insoluble compound, with the substance 
that has been swallowed. Obviously this will render its further 
action, for the time being at any rate, impossible; for a sub¬ 
stance insoluble in the stomach cannot be absorbed. 

This treatment should be followed by an emetic, before the 
poison can be rendered soluble again by the secretions of the 
stomach. As an instance: In case of lead poisoning if mag¬ 
nesium sulphate is given it will form the insoluble lead sulphate 
and its absorption arrested. But excepting the arsenical antidote 
which is mentioned further on, the use of chemical antidotes 
should be attempted only by those who are familiar with the 
nature of chemical reactions. 

A physiological antidote must counteract and overcome the 
effects which are being produced by a drug which has passed into 
the circulation, beyond the reach of emetics and chemical anti¬ 
dotes. 

The administration of such antidotes, except the ordinary 
stimulants, is the business of the physician and only concerns 
the nurse as the faithful executor of his directions. The com¬ 
mon stimulants alluded to are strong coffee, brandy, and ammo¬ 
nia. Constant efforts should be made, in the case of narcotic 
poisoning, to prevent the patient from yielding to drowsiness by 
enforced walking about, dousing with cold water, slapping, etc. 

The following classification * of poisons is a convenient one. 

1. Drugs causing death in a few minutes : Bromine, chlo¬ 
rine, carbonic acid gas, prussic or hydrocyanic acid and all 
cyanides, oxalic acid, strychnine, hydrochloric, nitric, nitro- 
hydrochloric and sulphuric acids. 

*Prof. D. M. R. Culbreth, M. D., Druggists Circular. 


TOXICOLOGY. 


159 


2. Drugs known as corrosive irritants: 

a. Causing local destruction of tissues with nausea and vom¬ 
iting: Ammonia water, solutions of potassa or soda, lye, 
lime, carbolic, chromic, hydrochloric, nitric, nitrohydro- 
chloric and sulphuric acids. 

b. Irritants causing pain, vomiting and purging: Cantharides, 
antimony salts, arsenic, copper salts, lead salts, zinc salts, 
phosphorus, mushrooms. 

3. Drugs affecting the nervous system: 

a. Narcotics, producing insensibility as the chief symptom, 
preceded by more or less cerebral excitement: Alcohol, 
chloral, chloroform, ether, opium. 

b. Delirients, producing delirium as a prominent symptom: 
Belladonna, camphor, cannabis indica, cocaine, hyoscya- 
mus and strammonium. 

c. Convulsives, producing violent muscular paroxysms: Nar¬ 
cotine, nux vomica, picrotoxine, strychnine. 

d. Multiple disturbers, producing complex nervous phenomena: 
Aconite, conium, digitalis, lobelia, physostigma, tobacco. 

The poisonous effects of the following named substances is 
due to the arsenic in them. 

Paris green, Scheele’s green, green wall paper, common arsenic, 
ratsbane, rough on rats, Fowler’s solution, Donovan’s solution. 

The following list of things are recommended as convenient 
to have at hand, for use in poison cases. 

A stomach pump (6 feet of J inch rubber tubing). 

A hypodermic syringe. 

A bleeding lancet. 

A 4 ounce box of mustard. 

One dozen 20 grain zinc sulphate powders. 

One dozen 30 grain powders of ipecac. 

One tube of apomorphine tablets. 


l6o MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 

The official arsenical antidote, consisting of 2 oz. of magnesium 
oxide and 2\ oz. of solution of tersulphate of iron. These are 
to be kept separately until needed. At that time, mix the magnesia 
in a pint or more of water and stir till mixed. (It will not dis¬ 
solve.) Then add the iron solution and stir again. Give 
as much as the patient can be made to swallow, using the stomach 
tube if necessary 

QUESTIONS. 

What is meant by a chemical and what by a physiological antidote ? 

Name some of the drugs which cause death in a few minutes. 

Name the corrosive irritants. 

Name the drugs causing pain, vomiting and purging. 

Name the narcotics, delirients and convulsives. 

What is the official antidote for arsenical poisoning? 


EPITOME 

OF THE 

OFFICIAL DRUGS, PREPARATIONS, AND CHEMICALS; THE LATIN NAME; THE 
ENGLISH NAME; THE SYNONYM, IF THERE IS ONE; THE PART OF 
THE PLANT USED OR ORIGIN IF A CHEMICAL; WITH 
THEIR MEDICINAL USES AND DOSES. 


A. 

Absin'thium. Absinthium. Wormwood. The leaves and tops of the 
plant. Stimulant. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2.0 gm. 

Aca'cia. Acacia. Gum Arabic. The gummy exudation from the tree. 
Demulcent. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2.0 gm. 

Acetanili'dum. Acetanilid. Antifebrin. One of the derivatives of 
coal-tar. Antipyretic. Dose, 1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to °-^5 g m - 

Aceton'um. Acetone. A liquid containing not less than 99 per cent., 
by weight, of absolute acetone. It should be kept in well-closed vessels 
in a cool place, remote from lights or fire. Nervine. Dose, 5 to 15 n^, 
or 0.325 to 1 c.c. 

Acetphenetedi'num. Phena'cetine (Trade name). Acetphenetidine. 
A phenol derivative. Antipyretic and analgesic. Dose, 0.500 gm., or 
7 s grains. 

Ace'tum o'pii. Vinegar of opium. Black drop. Prepared from gum 
opium. Anodyne. Dose, 10 rq, or 0.65 c.c. 

Ace'tum scil'lae. Vinegar of squill. Prepared from the sliced bulb. 
Expectorant; emetic. Dose, 10 to 30 rq, or 0.65 to 2.0 c.c. 

Ac'idum ace'ticum. Acetic acid. By distillation of wood. It forms 
the class of salts called acetates. Thirty-six per cent. 

Ac’idum ace'ticum dilu'tum. Diluted acetic acid. Ten per cent. 

Ac'idum ace'ticum glaci'ale. Glacial or absolute acetic acid. (These 
three are the same acids, differing in strength.) 

Ac'idum arseno'sum. Arsenous acid. White arsenic. Alterative. Dose, 
to g r -> or °- 001 to °- 00 3 g m - 

Ac'idum benzo'icum. Benzoic acid. Made from gum benzoin. Stimu¬ 
lant; expectorant. Dose, 10 to 30 grs., or 0.65 to 2.0 gm. 

Ac'idum bo'ricum. Boric or boracic acid. Made from borax by the action 
of hydrochloric acid. Antiseptic. Dose, 10 to 30 grs., or 0.65 to 2.0 gm. 

161 


11 



162 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


Ac'idum camphor'icum. Camphoric acid. An acid obtained by treat¬ 
ment of camphor. Anhidrotic. Dose, i gm., or 15 gr. 

Ac'idum carbol'icum. Carbolic acid. Phenol. Distilled from coal- 
tar. Used in nausea. Dose, 1 to 3 rrp or 0.065 to 0.195 c - c - 

Ac'idum carbol'icum cru'dum. Crude carbolic acid. Used as a 
disinfectant. 

Ac'idum chro'micum. Chromic acid. Originates in combination as 
an ore. Escharotic. 

Ac'idum cit'ricum. Citric acid. Prepared from lemon juice. Refrigerant. 
Dose, 10 to 30 grs., or 0.650 to 2.0 gm. 

Ac'idum gal'licum. Gallic acid. Prepared from tannic acid. Astrin¬ 
gent. Dose, 5 to 10 grs., or 0.325 to 0.650 gm. 

A'cidum hydriod'icum dilu'tum. Diluted hydriodic acid. Obtained 
from potassium iodide by the action of tartaric acid. Alterative. Dose, 
0.500 c.c., or 8 rrp 

Ac'idum hydrobro'micum dilu'tum. Diluted hvdrobromic acid. From 
potassium bromid by action of sulphuric acid. Hypnotic. Dose, £ to 
2 drams, or 2.0 to 8.0 c.c. 

Ac'idum hydrochlo'ricum. Hydrochloric acid. Muriatic acid. 31.9 
per cent. From sodium chlorid by action of sulphuric acid. Tonic. 
Dose, 5 to 10 rrp or 0.325 to 0.650 c.c. 

Ac'idum hydrochlo'ricum dilu'tum. Diluted hydrochloric acid. Ten 
per cent. Tonic. Dose, 10 to 30 rrp or 0.650 to 2.0 c.c. 

Ac'idum hydrocya'nicum dilu'tum. Two per cent. Diluted hydro¬ 
cyanic acid. Prussic acid. Sedative. Dose, 1 to 3 up 

Ac'idum hypophosphoro'sum. Hypophosphorous acid. Composed of 
30 per cent, acid and 70 per cent, of water. 

Ac'idum hypophosphoro'sum dilu'tum. Diluted hypophosphorous acid. 
From phosphorus and lime, indirectly. Tonic. Dose, 10 to 60 up or 
0.650 to 4.0 c.c. 

Ac'idum lac'ticum. Lactic acid. From fermented milk. Used to 
dissolve membranes. 

Ac'idum ni'tricum. Nitric acid. Sixty-eight per cent. From potas¬ 
sium nitrate by sulphuric acid. 

Ac'idum ni'tricum dilu'tum. Diluted nitric acid. Ten per cent. Tonic. 

Dose, 5 to 30 rrp or 0.325 to 2.0 c.c. 

Ac'idum nitrohydrochlo'ricum. Nitrohydrochloric acid. Nitromuriatic 
acid. Reaction between nitric and hydrochloric acids. Cholagogue. 
Dose, 1 to 5 rrp 

Ac'idum nitrohydrochlo'ricum dilu'tum. Diluted nitromuriatic acid. 
Cholagogue. Dose, 5 to 20 114. 

Ac'idum ole'icum. Oleic acid. From oil by action of steam under 
pressure. It is used for preparing the oleates. 

Ac'idum phospho'ricum. Phosphoric acid. Eighty-five per cent. From 


EPITOME. 163 

phosphorus by nitric acid. Nerve tonic. Dose, 1 to 10 rt|, or 0.065 t0 
0.650 c.c.* 

Ac'idum phospho'ricum dilu'tum. Ten per cent. Nerve tonic. Dose, 
5 to 30 ttl, or 0.325 to 2.0 c.c. 

Ac'idum salicyl'icum. Salicylic acid. From carbolic acid by action of 
sodium carbonate. Antiseptic. Dose, 5 to 10 grs., or 0.325 to 0.650 c.c. 

Ac'idum stear'icum. Stearic acid. From solid fats by steam under 
pressure. For official glycerin suppositories. 

Ac'idum sulphu'ricum. Sulphuric acid. Ninety-two per cent. From 
sulphur fumes, steam, and oxygen gas. 

Ac'idum sulphu'ricum aromat'icum. Aromatic sulphuric acid. Ten 
per cent. Tonic. Dose, 5 to 10 irq, or 0.325 to 0.650 c.c. 

Ac'idum sulphu'ricum dilu'tum. Diluted sulphuric acid. Ten per cent. 
Tonic. Dose, 1 to 10 n\, or 0.065 t° 0-650 c.c. 

Ac'idum sulphuro'sum. Sulphurous acid. Six per cent. Antiseptic. 
As a wash chiefly. 

Ac'idum tan'nicum. Tannic acid. Extracted from nut-galls. As¬ 
tringent. Dose, 1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to 0.650 gm. 

Ac'idum tartar'icum. Tartaric acid. From cream tartar. Refrigerant. 
Dose, 10 to 30 grs., or 0.650 to 2.0 gm. 

Aconiti'na. Aconitine. An alkaloid obtained from aconite. Dose, 0.00015 
gm., or ¥ io grain. 

Aconi'tum. Aconite. Monkshood. The root. Narcotic. Dose, £ to 
2 grs., or 0.030 to 0.130 gm.f 

A'deps. Lard. From the abdomen of the hog. Used for making ointments, 
A'deps benzoina'tus. Benzoinated lard. Lard impregnated with benzoin 
to preserve it. Used for making ointments. 

A'deps la'nae. Hydrous wool-fat. The purified fat from the wool of the 
sheep. Used for making ointments. 

^'ther. Ether. JE't her fortior. Strong ether. Ninety-six per cent. 
From alcohol by action of sulphuric acid. Anesthetic. Dose, 5 to 
60 113, or °-3 2 S to 4-° c - c - 

.Aether ace'ticus. Acetic ether. Ninety-eight per cent. From alcohol by 
action of acetic acid. Stimulant. Dose, 10 to 30 rq, or 0.650 to 2.0 c.c. 

ASthy'lis car'bamas. Ure'thane (Trade name). Ethyl carbamate. From 
the reaction between urea and alcohol. Hypnotic, 1 gm., or 15 grs. 
Aithy'lis chlori'dum. Ethyl chloride. From alcohol by the action of 
hydrochloric acid. Anesthetic, both local and general. 

*Minims will probably continue to be used in measuring. But these 
equivalents are easily acquired by a little practice. As has been shown, it 
is not a matter of memory, but may be figured out in each instance mentally. 

fLet the nurse remember how these figures are read: 2.0 gm. is two 
grams; 0.030 gm. is thirty thousandths of a gram, or, as we call it, thirty 
wf//f-grams. 



164 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


Al'cohol. Alcohol. Distilled from whisky. Eighty-seven to ninety- 
one per cent. Stimulant. External use. 

Al'cohol absolu'tum. Absolute alcohol. 99.9 per cent. Alcohol de¬ 
prived of all its water. Stimulant. Dose, f 5 j, or 4.0 c.C. 

Al'cohol deodora'tum. Deodorized alcohol. Ninety-five per cent. 
Purified alcohol. 


Al'cohol dilu'tum. Diluted alcohol. Equal parts of alcohol and water. 

Al'lium. Garlic. The bulb of the plant. Expectorant. Used as a syrup. 

A 1 'oe barbaden'sis. Barbadoes aloes. The dried juice from the leaves 
of the true plant. Cathartic. Dose, ^ to 10 grs., or 0.033 to 0.650 gm. 

Al'oe purifica'ta. Purified aloes. Aloes freed from all impurities. Ca¬ 
thartic. Dose, ^ to 10 grs., or 0.033 to 0.650 gm. 

Al' oe socotri'na. Socotrine aloes. The dried juice from the leaf of 
another variety. Cathartic. Dose, § to 10 grs. or 0.033 to 0.650 gm. 

Aloi'num. Aloin. Abstracted from aloes. Cathartic. Dose, j to 2 
grs., or 0.016 to 0.130 gm.* 


Al'thea. Marshmallow. The root. Demulcent. Used as a syrup. 

Alu'men. Alum. Potash alum. From aluminum and potassium with 
sulphuric acid. Astringent. Dose, 10 to 60 grs., or 0.650 to 4.0 gm. 


Both the same. 


Alu'men exsicca'tum. Dried alum. 

Alu'men us'tum. Burned alum. 

Astringent. Dose, 10 to 60 grs., or 0.65 to 4.0 gm. 

Alu'mini hy'dras. Aluminum hydrate. By decomposition of alum. 

Alu'mini sul'phas. Aluminum sulphate. From aluminum by sul¬ 
phuric acid. Astringent wash. 


Ammoni'acum. Ammoniac. A gum-resin from a plant. Stimulant; 
expectorant. Used in mixtures. 

Ammo'nii ben'zoas. Ammonium benzoate. From ammonia by benzoic 
acid. Stimulant. Dose, 10 grs., or 0.65 gm. 


Ammo'nii bro'midum. Ammonium bromid. From ammonia by hydro- 
bromic acid. Hypnotic. Dose, 10 to 60 grs., or 0.65 to 4.0 gm. 

Ammo'nii car'bonas. Ammonium carbonate. From ammonia by fresh 
carbonic acid.f Stimulant. Dose, 1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to °-65 gm. 

Ammo'nii chlori'dum. Ammonium chlorid. From ammonia by hydro¬ 
chloric acid. Stimulant; expectorant. Dose, 2 to 15 grs., or 0.130 to 


1.0 gm. 

Ammo'nii io'didum. Ammonium iodid. From ammonia by iodin. 
Alterative. Dose, 1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to 0.65 gm. 


*It is well that the nurse be shown sets of these weights. They are useful 
object-lessons. 

fThese processes are not by any means as simple as they appear by these 
statements. Nevertheless, they are useful and may be enlarged upon if 
the instructor so desires. 



EPITOME. 165 

Ammo'nii ni'tras. Ammonium nitrate. From ammonia by nitric acid. 
Stimulant. Dose, 5 to 15 grs., or 0.325 to 1.0 gm. 

Ammo'nii salicyl'as. Ammonium salicylate. From ammonia by the 
action of salicylic acid. Antiseptic; antirheumatic. Dose, 0.250 gm., 
or 4 grs. 

Ammo'nii vale'rianas. Ammonium valerianate. From ammonia by 
valerianic acid. Sedative. Dose, 1 to 5 grs., or 0.065 to 0.325 gm. 

Amyg'dala ama'ra. Bitter almond. The seed. Used in form of syrup 
as a vehicle. 

Amyg'dala dul'cis. Sweet almond. The seed. Used in mixtures for 
a vehicle. 

A'myl ni'tris. Amyl nitrite. From amylic alcohol by nitrous acid. 
Stimulant. By inhalation, 2 to 5 drops. 

Am'ylum. Starch. From corn or other grains. Externally as an absorbent- 

Ani'sum. Anise. The fruit. Carminative. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 
to 2.0 gm. 

An'themis. Chamomile. The flower heads. Tonic. Dose, 5 to 30 
grs., or 0.325 to 2.0 gm. 

Antimo'nii et potas'sii tar'tras. Antimony and potassium tartrate. 
Tartar emetic. From antimony and potassium by tartaric acid. Ex¬ 
pectorant; emetic. Dose, J to 5 grs., or 0.008 to 0.325 gm. 

Antimo'nii ox'idum. Antimony oxid. From antimony chlorid by am¬ 
monia. Alterative. Dose, 1 to 3 grs., or 0.065 to 0.195 g m - 

Antimo'nii sul'phidum. Antimony sulphid. Occurs native. 

Antimo'nii sul'phidum purifica'tum. Purified antimony sulphid. 

Antimo'nium sulphura'tum. Sulphurated antimony. Kermes mineral. 
Alterative. Dose, 1 to 3 grs., or 0.065 to °- I 95 g m - 

Antipyri'na. Antipyrine. A synthetic product. Antipyretic, antirheu¬ 
matic and antineuralgic. Dose, 0.250 gm., or 4 grs. 

Apoc'ynum. Canadian hemp. The root. Diaphoretic. Dose, 5 to 
30 grs., or 0.325 to 2.0 gm. 

Apomorphi'nae hydrochlo'ras. Apomorphine hydrochlorate. From mor¬ 
phine by hydrochloric acid. Emetic. Dose, j 1 ^ gn, or 0.006 gm. 

A'qua. Water. Natural water in its purest attainable state. 

A'qua ammo'niae. Ammonia water. A solution of ammonia gas. Ten 
per cent. 

A'qua ammo'nias for'tior. Stronger water of ammonia. Twenty-eight 
per cent. 

A'qua amyg'dalas ama'ra. Bitter almond water. Made from the oil. 
Vehicle for other medicines. 

A'qua ani'si. Anise water. Made from the oil. Carminative ad lib • 
and as a vehicle. 

A'qua auran'tii flo'rum. Orange-flower water. Equal parts of the 
strong water and distilled water. For flavoring purposes. 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


166 

A'qua auran'tii flo'rum for'tior. Strong orange-flower water. Dis¬ 
tilled from the flowers. 

A'qua cam'phorae. Camphor water. From the gum. Sedative. Dose, 
f oss to f 3ij, or 2.0 to 8.0 c.c. 

A'qua chlo'ri. Chlorine water. From hydrochloric acid. Antiseptic wash. 
A'qua chlorofor'mi. Chloroform water. Chloroform dissolved in water. 

Stimulant. Dose, f 3j to f 5iv, or 4.0 to 16.0 c.c. 

A'qua cinnamo'mi. Cinnamon water. From the oil. Carminative. 
Dose, f 3ss to f 5ij, or 2.0 to 8.0 c.c. 

A'qua creoso'ti. Creosote water. From creosote. Used in nausea 
mixtures. Dose, f 3 to f 3ij, or 4.0 to 8.0 c.c. 

A'qua destilla'ta. Distilled water, 

A'qua foenic'uli. Fennel water. From the oil. Carminative. Dose, 
f 3ss to f 3ij, or 2.0 to 8.0 c.c. 

A'qua hamamel'idis. Hamamelis water or so-called extract of witch 
hazel. Obtained by distilling the leaves with water. External use. 

A'qua hydrogen'ii diox'idi. Solution of hydrogen dioxid. This should 
be permanent and neutral. 

A'qua men'thae piperi'tae. Peppermint water. From the oil. Car¬ 
minative. Dose, f 3ss to f 3ij, or 2.0 to 8.0 c.c. 

A'qua men'thae vir'idis. Spearmint water. From the oil. Carminative. 
Dose, f 5ss to f 3ij, or 2.0 to 8.0 c.c. 

A'qua ro'sae. Rose water. Equal parts of the strong rose water and 
distilled water. For flavor. 

A'qua ro'sae for'tior. Strong rose water. Distilled from the flowers. 

Argen'ti cyan'idum. Silver cyanid. From silver by hydrocyanic acid. 

Sedative. Dose, ^ to gr., or 0.001 to 0.003 gm. 

Argen'ti iod'idum. Silver iodid. From silver by iodin. Alterative. 

Dose, £ to 2 grs., or 0.033 t° °- I 3° g m - 
Argen'ti ni'tras. Silver nitrate. From silver by nitric acid. Astringent. 
Dose, | to ^ gr., or 0.008 to 0.033 g m - 

Argen'ti ni'tras dilu'tus. Diluted silver nitrate. Mitigated caustic. 
Escharotic. 

Argen'ti ni'tras fu'sus. Fused silver nitrate. Molded silver nitrate. 
Lunar caustic. Caustic silver. Escharotic. 

Argen'ti ox'idum. Silver oxid. Decomposition of the nitrate. Tonic. 
Dose, \ to 2 grs., or 0.033 to 0.130 gm. 

Ar'nicae flo'res. Arnica flowers. 

Ar' nicae ra'dix. Arnica root. The flowers and root of the same plant. 
Externally for bruises, etc. 

Ar' seni iod'idum. Arsenic iodid. From arsenic by iodin. Alterative- 
Dose, to | gr., or 0.003 to 0.008 gm. 

Ascle'pias. Pleurisy root. Diaphoretic. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 
2.0 gm. 


EPITOME. 


167 


Aspid'ium. Male fern. The root. Teniacide. The oil is used. 

Aspidosper'ma. Quebracho. The bark. Antiperiodic. Dose, 5 to 30 
grs., or 0.325 to 2.0 gm. 

Asafce'tida. Asafetida. A gum resin. Sedative. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., 
or 0.325 to 2.0 gm. 

Atropi'na. Atropine. Alkaloid from belladonna. Narcotic. Dose, ^ 

gr., or 0.001 gm. 

Atropi'nag sul'phas. Atropia sulphate. From belladonna. Narcotic. 
Dose, to gr., or 0.0006* to 0.001 gm. 

Auran'tii ama'ri cor'tex. Bitter orange peel. Used as tincture for 
flavor. 

Auran'tii dul'cis cor'tex. Sweet orange peel. Used as tincture for flavor. 

Au'rii et so'dii chlo'ridum. Gold and sodium chlorid. Alterative- 
Dose, to J gr., or 0.004 to 0.008 gm. 

B. 

Balsa'mum peruvia'num. Balsam of Peru. From a South American 
tree. Externally. 

Balsa'mum toluta'num. Balsam of Tolu. From the tree. Used as 
an expectorant in the form of syrup. 

Ba'rii diox'idum. Barium dioxide. For preparing hydrogen dioxide. 

Belladon'nae fo'lia. Belladonna leaves. 1 _ , . 

„ , ... -r> 11 ! r brom the same plant. 

Belladon'nae ra dix. Belladonna root. J 1 

Narcotic. Dose, 1 to 3 grs., or 0.065 to 0.195 g m - 

Benzaldehyd'um. Benzaldehyde. Produced synthetically or obtained 
from bitter oil of almond. Dose, 0.030 c.c., or J rrp. 

Benzi'num. Benzin. Distilled from petroleum. 

Benzoi'num. Benzoin. A gum resin. Stimulant; expectorant. Dose, 
5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2.0 gm. 

Benzosulphinid'um. Benzosulphinide. Saccharin. Synthetic product. Used 
as a sweetening agent. 

Berbe'ris. Berberis. The root. Tonic and alterative. Dose, 0.325 to 
2 gm., or 5 to 30 gr. 

Bismu'thi ci'tras. Bismuth citrate. From bismuth nitrate and citric 
acid. Astringent. Dose, 5 to 10 grs., or 0.325 to 0.65 gm. 

Bismu'thi et ammo'nii ci'tras. Bismuth and ammonium citrate. As¬ 
tringent. Dose, 5 to 10 grs., or 0.325 to 0.65 gm. 

Bismu'thi subcar'bonas. Bismuth subcarbonate. From bismuth nitrate 
and ammonia. Astringent. Dose, 5 to 10 grs., or 0.325 to 0.650 gm. 


*Fractional parts of milligrams are read decimally, and this reads as 
six-tenths of a milligram, the decimal point being understood. 



168 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


Bismu'thi subgal'las. Bismuth subgallate. From bismuth carbonate and 
gallic acid. Absorbent. Astringent. Dose, 0.250 gm., or 4 grs. 

Bismu'thi subni'tras. Bismuth subnitrate. From bismuth and nitric 
acid. 

Bismu'thi subsalicyl'as. Bismuth subsalicylate. From bismuth car¬ 
bonate and salicylic acid. Intestinal antiseptic, astringent, sedative. 
Dose, 0.250 gm., or 4 grs. 

Bromofor'mum. Bromoform. Derivative of alcohol by hydrobromic 
acid or bromine. Antiseptic and sedative. Dose, 0.200 c.c., or 3 up 

Bro'mum. Bromin. From mineral spring waters. 

Bryo'nia. Bryony. The root. Cathartic. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 
to 2.0 gm. 

Bu'chu. Buchu. The leaves. Diuretic. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 
to 2.0 gm. 

C. 


Caffei'na. Caffeine. Alkaloid from tea and coffee. The citrate is used. 

Caffei'na citra'ta. Citrated caffeine. From the alkaloid by citric acid. 

Stimulant. Dose, 2 to 5 grs., or 0.130 to 0.325 gm. 

Caffei'na citra'ta efferves'cens. Effervescing citrated caffeine. Pre¬ 
pared to effervesce when mixed with water. Stimulant. Dose, | to 2 o 
or 2 to 8 c.c. 

Cal'amus. Sweet flag or flag root. The root. Stimulant. Dose, 5 to 
30 grs., or 0.325 to 2.0 gm. 

Cal'cii bromi'dum. Calcium bromid. From lime by hydrobromic 
acid. Sedative. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2.0 gm. 

Cal'cii car'bonas prsecipita'tus. Precipitated calcium carbonate. Chalk. 
Used in tooth powders. 

Cal'cii chlori'dum. Calcium chloride. From lime and hydrochloric acid. 

Alterative. Dose, 5 to 20 grs., or 0.325 to 1.3 gm. 

Cal'cii hjrpophos'phis. Calcium hypophosphite. From lime and phos¬ 
phorus. In phthisis. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2.0 gm. 

Cal'cii phos'phas praecipita'tus. Precipitated calcium phosphate. Bone 
ashes, purified. Used for filtering purposes. 

Cal'cii sul'phas exsicca'tus. Plaster-of-Paris. Dried calcium sulphate. 
Occurs as gypsum. Used for surgical purposes. 

Calendu'la. Marigold. The flowers. Alterative. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., 
or 0.325 to 2.0 gm. 

Calum'ba. Calumba. The root. Tonic. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 
to 2.0 gm. 

Calx. Lime. Calcium oxid. Burned limestone. Used in the form of 
lime-water. 

Calx chlora'ta. Chlorinated lime. Dry slaked lime and chlorin gas. 
Disinfectant. Should be kept in air-tight packages. 


EPITOME. 169 

Calx sulphura'ta. Sulphurated lime. From calcium sulphate by hot 
charcoal. Alterative. Dose, jq to 1 gr., or 0.006 to 0.065 gm. 

Cambo'gia. Gamboge. A gum resin. Cathartic. Dose, 1 to 5 grs., 
or 0.065 to °-3 2 5 g m - 

Cam'phora. Camphor. A gum, so called. Sedative. Dose, | to 5 
grs., or 0.033 to °-3 2 5 g m - 

Cam'phora monobroma'ta. Monobromated camphor. From camphor 
by bromin. Sedative. Dose, 1 to 5 grs., or 0.065 to 0.325 gm. 

Can'nabis in'dica. Indian hemp. The flowers. Narcotic. Dose, 1 to 
3 grs., or 0.065 to °- I 9S g m * 

Can'tharis. Cantharides. Spanish flies. The whole insect. Vesicant. 
Externally. 

Cap'sicum. Cayenne or African pepper. The fruit. Stimulant. Dose, 
1 to 3 grs., or 0.065 to 0.195 gm. 

Car'bo anima'lis. Animal charcoal. By charring bones. 

Car'bo lig'ni. Wood charcoal. By charring wood. Used in poultices 
as an absorbent. Carminative by absorption of gas. Dose, 1 to 3 grs., 
or 0.065 to °- I 95 gm. 

Cardamo'mum. Cardamom. The seeds. Carminative. Dose, 5 to 30 
grs., or 0.325 to 2.0 gm. 

Ca'rum. Caraway. The seed. Carminative. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 
0.325 to 2.0 gm. 

Caryophyl'lus. Clove. The dried, unopened flowers. Carminative. 
Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2.0 gm. 

Cascaril'la. Cascarilla. The bark. Aromatic tonic. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., 
or 0.325 to 2.0 gm. 

Cas'sia fis'tula. Purging cassia. The fruit. Cathartic. Dose, 5 to 30 
grs., or 0.325 to 2.0 gm. 

Casta'nea. Chestnut. The leaves. Antispasmodic. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., 
or 0.325 to 2.0 gm. 

Cataplas'ma kaoli'ni. Cataplasm of kaoline. A paste made with kaoline, 
boric acid, thymol, methyl salicylate, oil of peppermint and glycerin. 
Designed to be used as a poultice by external application. 

Cat'echu. Catechu. An extract from the wood. Astringent. Dose, 5 
to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2.0 gm. 

Caulophyl'lum. Blue cohosh. The root. Antispasmodic. Dose, 5 
to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2.0 gm. 

Ce'ra alba. White wax. Bleached honey-comb. Used in making oint¬ 
ments. 

Ce'ra fla'va. Yellow wax. Honey-comb. Used in making ointments. 

Cera'tum. Cerate. White wax and lard. 

Cera'tum cam'phorae. Camphor cerate. 

Cera'tum cantha'ridis. Cantharides cerate. 

Cera'tum ceta'cei. Spermaceti cerate. 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


170 

Cera'tum plum'bi subaceta'tis. Cerate of lead subacetate. 

Cera'tum resi'nse. Resin cerate. Basilicon ointment. 

Cera'tum resi'nae compos'itum. Compound resin cerate. Resin, yellow 
wax, suet, turpentine and linseed oil. 

Ce'rii ox'alas. Cerium oxalate. Used in vomiting. Dose, 1 gr. 

Ceta'ceum. Spermaceti. A deposit in the head of the sperm whale. 

Cetra'ria. Iceland moss. Demulcent. Used in decoction. 

Char'ta potas'sii nitra'tis. Nitrate of potash paper. Inhaled by burn¬ 
ing. It is antispasmodic. 

Char'ta sina'pis. Mustard paper. Mustard leaves. Vesicant. 

Chelido'nium. Celandine. The entire plant. Cathartic. Dose, 5 to 
30 grs., or 0.325 to 2.0 gm. 

Chenopo'dium. American wormseed. The seed. Anthelmintic. Dose, 
5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2.0 gm. 

Chimaphi'la. Pipsissewa. The leaves. Diuretic. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., 
or 0.325 to 2.0 gm. 

Chira'ta. Chirata. The whole plant. Tonic. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 
0.325 to 2.0 gm. 

Chlo'ral. Chloral hydrate. From alcohol by chlorin. Sedative. Dose, 
1 to 30 grs., or 0.065 to 2.0 gm. 

Chloralformami'dum Chlora'lamide. (Tradename). Chloralformamide, 

Hypnotic. Dose, 1 gm., or 15 grs. 

Chlorofor'mum. Chloroform. From alcohol by chlorin and slaked 
lime. Anesthetic by inhalation. Stimulant. Dose, 1 to 5 ttj_, or 0.065 
to 0.325 c.c. 

Chon'drus. Irish moss. Carragheen. Sea moss. The whole plant. 
Demulcent. Used in decoction. 

Chrysarobi'num. Chrysarobin. From an East Indian drug commer¬ 
cially known as goa powder. Irritant cathartic. Dose, 0.030 gm., or J gr. 

Cimicif'uga. Black snakeroot. The root. Antispasmodic. Dose, 5 to 
30 grs., or 0.325 to 2.0 gm. 

Cincho'na. Cinchona. Peruvian bark. The bark. Antipyretic; tonic. 
Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2.0 gm. 

Cincho'na ru'bra. Red cinchona. The bark. Antipyretic. Dose, 5 
to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2.0 gm. 

Cinchonidi'nae sul'phas. Cinchonidine sulphate. Alkaloid of cin¬ 
chona. Antipyretic. Dose, 1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to 0-650 gm. 

Cinchoni'na. Cinchonine. Alkaloid from cinchona. Antipyretic. Dose, 
1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to 0.650 gm. 

Cinchoni'nae sul'phas. Cinchonine sulphate. Alkaloid of cinchona- 
Antipyretic. Dose, 1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to 0.650 gm. 

Cinnamo'mumcas'sia. Cassia cinnamon. The bark. Stimulant. Dose, 
5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2.0 gm. 

Cinnamo'mum saigon'icum. Saigon cinnamon. 


EPITOME. 


171 


Cinnamo'mum zeylan'icum. Ceylon cinnamon. 

Co'ca. Erythroxylon. The leaves. Stimulant. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 
0.325 to 2.0 gm. 

Cocai'na. Cocaine. The alkaloid from coca leaves. Local anesthetic 
and stimulant. Dose, 0.030 gm., or | gr* 

Cocai'nae hydrochlo'ras. Cocaine hydrochlorate. Local anesthetic; 
stimulant. Dose, £ to ^ gr., or 0.008 to 0.033 g m - 

Coc'cus. Cochineal. The female insect. Anodyne. Dose, J to 2 grs., 
or 0.033 to 0.130 gm. 

Codei'na. Codeine. Alkaloid of opium. Anodyne. Dose, ^ to 2 grs., 
or 0.033 to 0.130 gm. 

Codei'na phos'phas. Codeine phosphate. Codei'nae sul'phas. Codeine 
sulphate. Salts of an alkaloid obtained from morphine. Analgesic, 
sedative. Dose, 0.030 gm., or | gr. 

Col'chici ra'dix. Colchicum root. Col'chici se'men. Colchicum seed. 
Alterative; anti-rheumatic. Dose, 1 to 3 grs., or 0.065 to 0.195 g m * 

Colchici'na. Colchicine. An alkaloid obtained from colchicum. Alter¬ 
ative. Antirheumatic. Dose, 0.0005 gm., or gr. 

Collo'dium. Collodion. External use. 

Collo'dium cantharida'tum. Cantharidal collodion. Externally; vesi¬ 
cant. 

Collo'dium flex'ile. Flexible collodion. External use. 

Collo'dium styp'ticum. Styptic collodion. Externally; styptic. 

Colocyn'this. Colocynth; bitter apple. The fruit. Cathartic. Dose, 
1 to 3 grs., or 0.065 to 0*195 g m * 

Confec'tio ro'sae. Confection of rose. Vehicle. 

Confec'tio sen'nas. Confection of senna. Cathartic. Dose, oj to 5 iv, 
or 4.0 to 16.0 gm. 

Coni'um. Hemlock. The fruit. Narcotic. Dose, 1 to 3 grs., or 0.065 
to 0.195 g m * 

Convalla'ria. Convallaria. The root. Sedative. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 
0.325 to 2.0 gm. 

Copai'ba. Balsam of copaiba. The oleoresin from the plant. Urethral 
stimulant. Dose, f 0 i to f oj, or 1.0 to 4.0 c.c. 

Corian'drum. Coriander. The seed. Carminative. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., 
or 0.325 to 2.0 gm. 

Creoso'tum. Creosote. Distilled from beech-wood tar. Antiseptic. 
Dose, 1 to 5 n\, or 0.065 to 0.325 c.c. 

Cre'ta praepara'ta. Prepared chalk. Native chalk freed from lumps. 
Ant-acid. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2.0 gm. 

Cre'sol. Cresol. Obtained from coal tar. Disinfectant. Antiseptic. 
Dose, 0.065 c.c., or 1 114. 

Cro'cus. Spanish saffron. A portion of the flower. Emmenagogue. 
Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2.0 gm. 


172 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


Cube'ba. Cubeb. The berry. Stimulant. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 
to 2.0 gm. 

Cu'pri sul'phas. Copper sulphate. Blue vitriol. From copper by action 
of sulphuric acid. Escharotic. External use. 

Cus'so. Kousso. Brayera. The flowers. Anthelmintic. Dose, 2 to 
4 drams, or 8 to 16 gm. 

Cypripe'dium. Ladies’ slipper. The root. Antispasmodic. Dose, 5 to 
30 grs., or 0.325 to 2.0 gm. 


D. 

Decoc'tum cetra'rias. Decoction of cetraria. Demulcent. Dose, ad 
lib. 

Decoc'tum sarsaparil'lae compos'itum. Compound decoction of sar¬ 
saparilla. Alterative. Dose, f oj to f oiv, or 30 to 120 c.c. 

Digita'lis. Digitalis. Foxglove. The leaves. Heart stimulant. Dose, 
\ to 2 grs., or 0.033 to g m - 

Dulcama'ra. Bitter-sweet. The twigs. Diuretic; diaphoretic. Dose, 5 
to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2.0 gm. 


E. 

Elas'tica. Caoutchouc. India rubber. Used in preparing plasters. 

Elateri'num. Elaterin. Active principle of the squirting cucumber. 
Cathartic. Dose, fa to T x 7 gr., or 0.001 to 0.006 gm. 

Elix'ir ad'juvans. Adjuvant elixir. An aromatic elixir for disguising the 
taste of quinine. 

Elix'ir aromat'icum. Aromatic elixir. Used as a vehicle for other 
medicines. It is flavored with orange, lemon, anise, and coriander. 
Elix'ir fer'ri, quini'nae et strychni'nae phospha'tum. Elixir of phosphates 
of iron, quinine and strychnine (elixir 3 phosphates); f 5i contains 
about fa gr. of strychnine. 

Elix'ir phos'phori. Elixir of phosphorus. One fluidram equals fa gr. 
of phosphorus. Nerve tonic. Dose, f 3 j> or 4 c.c. 

Emplas'trum adhse'sivum. Adhesive plaster. Composed of rubber, 
petrolatum and lead plaster. 

Emplas'trum ammoni'aci cum hydrar'gyro.* Plaster of ammoni- 

acum and mercury. Stimulant. 

Emplas'trum ar'nicae. Arnica plaster. Stimulant. 

Emplas'trum belladon'nae. Belladonna plaster. Anodyne. 


*This being a full and complete official list, all the preparations are given, 
whether of frequent or infrequent use, and will be found very useful for 
reference. 



EPITOME. 


r 73 


Emplas'trum cap'sici. Capsicum plaster.* Stimulant. 

Emplas'trum fer'ri. Iron plaster. Strengthening plaster. Stimulant. 
Emplas'trum hydrar'gyri. Mercurial plaster. Alterative. 

Emplas'trum ichthyocol'lae. Isinglass plaster. Court plaster. 
Emplas'trum o'pii. Opium plaster. Anodyne. 

Emplas'trum pi'eis burgun'dicae. Burgundy pitch plaster. Stimulant. 

Emplas'trum pi'eis cantharida'tum. Cantharidal or warming plaster. 
Rubefacient. 

Emplas'trum plum'bi. Lead plaster. Diachylon plaster. Vehicle for 
other plasters. 

Emplas'trum resi'nae. Resin plaster. Adhesive plaster. Stimulating. 
Emplas'trum sapo'nis. Soap plaster. Stimulating. 

Emul'sum ammoni'aci. Emulsion of ammoniacum. Expectorant. Dose, 
one to two tablespoonfuls, or 15 to 30 c.c. 

Emul'sum amyg'dalae. Emulsion of almond. Vehicle for other med¬ 
icines. 

Emul'sum asafoe'tidae. Emulsion of asafetida. Sedative. Dose, f oiv 
to f o j, or 15 to 30 c.c. 

Emul' sum chlorofor'mi. Chloroform emulsion. Sedative. Dose, f oiv 
to f 5 j, or 15 to 30 c.c. One fluidram contains 2\ minims, or 10 drops 
of chloroform. 

Emul'sum o'lei mor'rhuae. Emulsion of cod-liver oil. Contains 50 per 
cent, cod-liver oil. Dose, 8 c.c., or f oij- 
Emul'sum o'lei mor'rhuae cum hypophosphi'tibus. Emulsion of cod- 
liver oil with hypophosphites. Dose, 8 c.c., or f oij- 
Emul'sum o'lei terebin'thinae. Emulsion of oil of turpentine. Con¬ 
tains 15 per cent, of oil. Dose, 4 c.c., or f oj- 
Ergo'ta. Ergot. A fungous growth upon rye. Oxytocic. Dose, 5 to 
30 grs., or 0.325 to 2.0 gm. 

Eriodic'tyon. Yerba santa. The leaves. Tonic, expectorant. Dose, 5 
to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2.0 gm. 

Eucalyp'tol. Eucalyptol. Obtained from the oil of eucalyptus. Ex¬ 
pectorant. Dose, 5 to 30 rr|_, or 0.325 to 2.0 c.c. 

Eucaly'ptus. Eucalyptus. The leaves. Antipyretic. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., 
or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Eu'genol. An aromatic principle obtained from oil of clove. Flavor 
and carminative. Dose 0.200 c.c., or 3 rip. 

Euon'ymus. Wahoo. The bark. Alterative. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 
0.325 to 2.0 gm. 

*Here is an official plaster much used. Officially and homemade they 
are spread upon kid. As usually seen, they are mixed with rubber, spread 
upon muslin, and sometimes made porous. These are all spread by ma¬ 
chinery and are preferable to the hand-spread plaster, being neater. 




x 74 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


Eupato'rium. Eupatorium. Thoroughwort or boneset. Expectorant. 

Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2.0 gm. 

Extrac'tum aconi'ti. Extract of aconite. From the root. Sedative. 

Dose, X V to l gr., or 0.006 to 0.016 gm. 

Extrac'tum aconi'ti flu'idum. Fluid extract of aconite. From the root. 
Sedative. Dose, \ to 2 rrp, or 0.030 to 0.130 c.c. 

Extrac'tum al'oes. Extract of aloes. From the dried juice of the leaves. 
Cathartic. Dose, 1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to 0-650 gm. 

Extrac'tum apoc'yni flu'idum. Fluid extract of apocynum. From the 
root. Diaphoretic. Dose, 5 to 30 rrp, or 0.325 to 2.0 c.c.* 

Extrac'tum ar'nicae ra'dicis. Extract of arnica root. Alterative. Dose, 
2 to 5 grs., or 0.130 to 0.325 gm. 

Extrac'tum ar'nicae ra'dicis flu'idum.f Fluid extract of arnica root. 

Alterative. Dose, 5 to 30 np, or 0.325 to 2.0 c.c. 

Extrac'tum aromat'icum flu'idum. Fluid extract of aromatic powder. 

Carminative. Dose, 5 to 30 rrp, or 0.325 to 2.0 c.c. 

Extrac'tum asclepia'dis flu'idum. Fluid extract of asclepias. Dia¬ 
phoretic. Dose, 5 to 30 rrp, or 0.325 to 2.0 c.c. 

Extrac'tum aspidosper'matis flu'idum. Fluid extract of aspidium. 
From the bark. Antiperiodic. Dose, 5 to 30 rrp, or 0.325 to 2.0 c.c. 

Extrac'tum auran'tii ama'ri flu'idum. Fluid extract of bitter orange 
peel. Stimulant. Dose, 5 to 30 rrp, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum belladon'nae folio'rum alcohol'icum. Alcoholic extract 
of belladonna leaves. Narcotic. Dose, J to \ gr., or 0.00S to 
0.016 gm. 

Extrac'tum belladon'nae ra'dicis flu'idum. Fluid extract of bella¬ 
donna root Narcotic. Dose, 1 to 3 rrp, or 0.065 to 0.195 c - c - 

Extrac'tum bu'chu flu'idum. Fluid extract of buchu. From the leaves. 
Diuretic. Dose, 5 to 30 rrp, or 0.325 to 2.0 c.c.J 

Extrac'tum cal'ami flu'idum. Fluid extract of calamus. From the 
root. Carminative. Dose, 5 to 30 rrp, or 0.325 to 2.0 c.c. 

Extrac'tum calum'bae flu'idum. Fluid extract of calumba. From the 
root. Bitter tonic. Dose, 5 to 30 rrp, or 0.325 to 2.0 c.c. 

Extrac'tum can'nabis in'dicae. Extract of Indian cannabis. From 
the root. Narcotic. Dose, ^ to 1 gr., or 0.020 to 0.065 g ra - 


*Let the nurse observe that the dose in minims of a fluid extract is the 
same as the number of grains of the drug. See Dose Table. 

fWhat has just been noted regarding the similarity of dose of fluid ex¬ 
tracts and the drug may not be said of solid extracts, the strength of which 
are never alike. (See article: Extracts.) 

^Notice that although the doses are very similar yet they are repeated in 
both systems every time. This is to familiarize the nurse with this im¬ 
portant feature. 



EPITOME. 


*75 

Extrac'tum can'nabis in'dicae flu'idum. Fluid extract of Indian canna¬ 
bis. From the root. Narcotic. Dose, i to 3 rip, or 0.065 to 0-195 c.c.* 

Extrac'tum cap'sici flu'idum. Fluid extract of capsicum. From the 
fruit (bird peppers). Stimulant. Dose, 1 to 3 grs., or 0.065 to 0.195 £ m - 

Extrac'tum casta'neae flu'idum. Fluid extract of castanea. From 
the leaves. Expectorant. Dose, 5 to 30 rrp, or 0.325 to 2.0 c.c. 

Extrac'tum chimaph'il® flu'idum. Fluid extract of pipsissewa. The 
leaves. Diuretic. Dose, 5 to 30 up, or 0.325 to 2.0 c.c. 

Extrac'tum chira'tas flu'idum. Fluid extract of chirata. The entire 
plant. Bitter tonic. Dose, 5 to 30 rrp, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum cimicif'ugae. Extract of black snakeroot. Alterative in 
asthma. Dose, 3 to 5 gr., or 0.195 to 0.325 gm. 

Extrac'tum cimicif'ugae flu'idum. Fluid extract of black snakeroot. 
Alterative. Dose, 5 to 30 rr^, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum cincho'nae. Extract of Peruvian bark. Tonic. Dose, 

1 to 5 grs., or 0.065 to 0.325 gm. 

Extrac'tum cincho'nae flu'idum. Fluid extract of cinchona. Tonic. 

Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum co'cae flu'idum. Fluid extract of coca. From the leaves. 
Stimulant. Dose, 5 to 30 np, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum col'chici ra'dicis. Extract of colchicum root. Alterative. 
Dose, i to f grs., or 0.016 to 0.048 gm. 

Extrac'tum col'chici ra'dicis flu'idum. Fluid extract of colchicum 

root. Alterative. Dose, 1 to 3 rrp, or 0.065 to °- I 95 c.c. 

Extrac'tum col'chici sem'inis flu'idum. Fluid extract of colchicum 

seed. Alterative. Dose, 1 to 3 rip, or 0.065 to °- I 95 c.c. 

Extrac'tum colocyn'thidis. Extract of colocynth. From the fruit. 
Cathartic. Dose, J to 2 grs. or 0.033 to 0.13 gm. 

Extrac'tum colocyn'thidis compos'itum. Compound extract of colo¬ 
cynth. Cathartic. Dose, 1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to 0.65 gm. 

Extrac'tum coni'i. Extract of conium. Narcotic. Dose, i to f gr., or 
0.016 to 0.048 gm. 

Extrac'tum coni'i flu'idum. Fluid extract of conium. From the fruit. 
Narcotic. Dose, 1 to 3 irp, or 0.065 to 0.195 c.c. 

Extrac'tum convalla'riae flu'idum. Fluid extract of convallaria. From 
the root. Cardiac sedative. Dose, 5 to 30 np, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum cube'bae flu'idum. Fluid extract of cubeb. From the berries. 

Stimulant; expectorant. Dose, 5 to 30 rrp, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum cus'so flu'idum. Fluid extract of cusso. From the flowers. 
Anthelmintic. Dose, 5 to 30 np, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

*The nurse should practise reading these figures aloud. The dose of 
extract of cannabis indica is from twenty to sixty-five milligrams; of the 
fluid extract from sixty-five to one hundred and ninety-five thousandths 
of a cubic centimeter. 



176 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


Extrac'tum cypripe'dii flu'idum. Fluid extract of cypripedium. From 

the root. Antispasmodic. Dose, 5 rr^ to f 5 ss, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum digita'lis. Extract of digitalis. From the leaves. Cardiac 
stimulant. Dose, | to 1 gr., or 0.008 to 0.065 g m - 
Extrac'tum digita'lis flu'idum. Fluid extract of digitalis. Cardiac 

stimulant. Dose, J to 2 or 0.033 to °- I 3 c - c * 

Extrac'tum dulcama'rse flu'idum. Fluid extract of bittersweet twigs. 

Alterative. Dose, 5 to 30 n^, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum ergo'tas. Extract of ergot. From the rye fungus. Oxy¬ 

tocic. Dose, 1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to °-^5 g m - 
Extrac'tum ergo'tae flu'idum. Fluid extract of ergot. Oxytocic. 

Dose, 5^ to f oj, or 0.325 to 4 c.c. 

Extrac'tum eriodic'tyi flu'idum. Fluid extract of verba santa. From 
the leaves. Tonic expectorant.* Dose, 5 to 30 rt\, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum eucalyp'ti flu'idum. Fluid extract of eucalyptus. From 

the leaves. Febrifuge. Dose, 5 to 30 rr[, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum euon'ymi. Extract of wahoo. From the bark. Laxative. 

Dose, 1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to °-^5 g m - 

Extrac'tum eupato'rii flu'idum. Fluid extract of boneset. From the 
leaves. Expectorant. Dose, 5 to 30 n\, or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Extrac'tum fran'gulas flu'idum. Fluid extract of buckthorn. From 

the bark. Cathartic. Dose, 5 to 30 rr^, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum gelsem'ii flu'idum. Fluid extract of yellow jasmine. From 
the root. Antispasmodic. Dose, 1 to 3 rr^, or 0.065 to 0>I 95 c - c * 

Extrac'tum gentia'nas. Extract of gentian. From the root. Tonic. 

Dose, 5 to 10 grs., or 0.325 to 0.65 gm. 

Extrac'tum gentia'nae flu'idum. Fluid extract of gentian. Tonic. 

Dose, 5 to 30 rr\, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum gera'nii flu'idum. Fluid extract of geranium. From the 
root. Astringent. Dose, 5 to 30 n^, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum glycyrrhi'zae. Extract of licorice. Expectorant. Dose, 
5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Extrac'tum glycyrrhi'zae flu'idum. Fluid extract of licorice. Ex¬ 

pectorant. Dose, 5 to 30 rt|, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum glycyrrhi'zae pu'rum.f Pure extract of licorice. Ex¬ 

pectorant. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Extrac'tum gossyp'ii ra'dicis flu'idum. Fluid extract of cotton root. 
Emmenagogue. Dose, 5 to 30 n\, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 


*These terms are not always complete. For instance, yerba santa is 
tonic with an especially tonic action on the pectoral muscles, and, therefore, 
a tonic expectorant. 

fThis pure extract and the extract are the forms which come in cylin¬ 
drical sticks and known as “black” licorice. 



EPITOME. 


177 

Extrac'tum grinde'liae flu'idum. Fluid extract of grindelia. From 
the leaves. Antispasmodic. Dose, 5 to 30 tr^, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum guara'nae flu'idum. Fluid extract of guarana. Stimulant. 
Dose, 5 to 30 rrt, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum haematox'yli. Extract of logwood. From the wood. As¬ 
tringent. Dose, 1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to 0.65 gm. 

Extrac'tum hamamel'idis flu'idum.* Fluid extract of witch hazel- 
From the leaves. Hemostatic. Dose, 5 to 30 ir^, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum hydras'tis flu'idum. Fluid extract of golden seal. From the 
root. Alterative. Dose, 5 to 30 n^, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum hyoscy'ami. Extract of henbane. From the leaves. Ano¬ 
dyne. Dose, | to | gr., or 0.016 to 0.048 gm. 

Extrac'tum hyoscy'ami flu'idum. Fluid extract of henbane. Anodyne. 
Dose, 1 to 3 n^, or 0.065 to °- I 95 c.c. 

Extrac'tum ipecacuan'hae flu'idum. Fluid extract of ipecac. From 
the root. Emetic; diaphoretic. Dose, 5 to 30 rr^, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum iri'dis. Extract of blue flag. From the root. Stimulant; 
carminative. Dose, 1 to 10 rr|, or 0.065 to 0-650 gm. 

Extrac'tum iri'dis flu'idum. Fluid extract of blue flag. Carminative. 
Dose, 5 to 30 n|, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum jala'pae. Extract of jalap. From the root. Cathartic. 

Dose, 1 to 5 grs., or 0.065 to °- 3 2 5 gm. 

Extrac'tum juglan'dis. Extract of butternut bark. Laxative. Dose, 

5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Extrac'tum krame'riae flu'idum. Fluid extract of krameria. Root. 

Astringent. Dose, 5 to 30 rr^, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum lap'pae flu'idum. Fluid extract of lappa. From the root. 
Alterative. Dose, 5 to 30 114, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum leptan'drae. Extract of leptandra. From the root. Cathar¬ 
tic. Dose, 1 to 5 grs., or 0.065 to °- 3 2 5 gm. 

Extrac'tum leptan'drae flu'idum. Fluid extract of leptandra. Cath¬ 

artic. Dose, 5 to 30 ttl, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum lobe'liae flu'idum. Fluid extract of lobelia. From the 
leaves. Antispasmodic; emetic. Dose, 1 to 3 n|, or 0.065 to °- I 95 c - c * 

Extrac'tum lupuli'ni flu'idum. Fluid extract of lupulin. From the 
powder. Hypnotic. Dose, 5 to 30 rr^, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum mal'ti. Extract of malt. A thick extract obtained from 
malted grain. Tonic, nutrient. Dose, 16 c.c., or f 5 iv. 

Extrac'tum mat'ico flu'idum. Fluid extract of matico leaves. Stimu¬ 
lant; urinary. Dose, 5 to 30 rr^, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum menisper'mi flu'idum. Fluid extract of menispermum. 
From the root. Alterative. Dose, 5 to 30 174, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

♦This should not be confounded with the distilled fluid extract from the 
twigs, of which Pond’s extract is the type. 

12 



MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


178 

Extrac'tum meze'rei flu'idum. Fluid extract of mezereum. From the 
bark. Vesicant; stimulant. Dose, 5 to 30 rq, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum nu'cis vom'icae. Extract of nux vomica. From the seeds. 
Tonic. Dose, \ to 1 gr., or 0.016 to 0.065 g m - 

Extrac'tum nu'cis vom'icae flu'idum. Fluid extract of nux vomica. 
Tonic. Dose, 1 to 5 n^, or 0.065 to °- 3 2 5 c - c - 
Note. —f 5j of this fluid extract is equal to T<7 of strychnine. 

Extrac'tum o'pii. Extract of opium. Narcotic. Dose, 1 gr., or 0.065 g m - 
Note. —One grain equals about j of a grain of morphine. 

Extrac'tum parei'rae flu'idum. Fluid extract of pareira. The root. 
Diuretic. Dose, 5 to 30 rq, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum physostigma'tis. Extract of Calabar bean. Sedative. 

Dose, i to f gr., or 0.016 to 0.048 gm. 

Extrac'tum phytolac'cae ra'dicis flu'idum. Fluid extract of poke 

root. Laxative. Dose, 5 to 30 rq, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum pilocar'pi flu'idum. Fluid extract of pilocarpus. From 
the leaves. Sialagogue. Dose, 5 to 30 rq, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum podophyl'li. Extract of podophyllum. From the root. 

Cathartic. Dose, \ to 5 grs., or 0.016 to 0.325 gm. 

Extrac'tum podophyl'li flu'idum. Fluid extract of podophyllum. Cath¬ 
artic. Dose, 5 to 30 rq, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum pru'ni virginia'nae flu'idum. Fluid extract of wild cherry 
bark. Sedative. Dose, 5 rq, to \ teaspoonful, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 
Extrac'tum quas'siae. Extract of quassia wood. Tonic. Dose, 5 to 
10 grs., or 0.325 to 0.65 gm. 

Extrac'tum quas'siae flu'idum. Fluid extract of quassia. Tonic. Dose, 
5 to 30 rq, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum rham'ni purshia'nae. Extract of cascara sagrada. Cathartic. 
Dose, 0.250 gm., or 4 grs. 

Extrac'tum rham'ni purshia'nae flu'idum. Fluid extract of cascara bark. 
Tonic; cathartic. Dose, 5 to 30 rq, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum rhe'i. Extract of rhubarb root. Cathartic; astringent.* 
Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Extrac'tum rhe'i flu'idum. Fluid extract of rhubarb root. Cathartic; 
astringent. Dose, 5 rq to J f 3 , or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum rho'is gla'brae flu'idum. Fluid extract of sumach berries. 
Astringent. Dose, 5 to 30 rq, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum ro'sae flu'idum. Fluid extract of rose petals. Vehicle for 
other medicines. 

Extrac'tum ru'bi flu'idum. Fluid extract of blackberry bark. As¬ 
tringent. Dose, 5 rq to J teaspoonful, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 


*This seems contradictory; but the fact of its being cathartic first and 
then astringent renders it exceptionally valuable among cathartics. 



EPITOME. 179 

Extrac'tum ru'micis flu'idum. Fluid extract of yellow dock root. Al¬ 
terative. Dose, 5 rq to f 5 ss, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum sabi'nae flu'idum. Fluid extract of savine leaves. Uterine 
stimulant. Dose, 1 to 3rq, or 0.065 to °- I 95 c - c * 

Extrac'tum sanguina'riae flu'idum. Fluid extract of blood-root. Ex¬ 
pectorant. Dose, 5 to 30 rq, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum sarsaparil'lae flu'idum. Fluid extract of sarsaparilla root. 
Alterative. Dose, 5 to 30 rq, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum sarsaparil'lae flu'idum compos'itum. Compound fluid 
extract of sarsaparilla root. Alterative. Dose, 5 to 30 rr\, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum scil'lae flu'idum. Fluid extract of squill bulbs. Expec¬ 
torant; emetic. Dose, 1 to 3 rq, or 0.065 to 0.195 c - c * 

Extrac'tum scopa'rii flu'idum. Fluid extract of broom tops. Diuretic. 
Dose, 5 to 30 rq, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum scopo'lae. Extract of scopola. Narcotic. Anodyne. Myd¬ 
riatic. Dose, 0.010 gm., or ^ gr. 

Extrac'tum scutella'riae flu'idum. Fluid extract of skull-cap, the herb. 
Alterative. Dose, 5 to 30 rq, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum sen'egae flu'idum. Fluid extract of senega root. Expec¬ 
torant. Dose, 5 to 30 rq, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum sen'nae flu'idum. Fluid extract of senna leaves. Cathar¬ 
tic. Dose, 5 to 30 rq, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum serpenta'riae flu'idum. Fluid extract of Virginia snake- 
root. Tonic. Dose, 5 to 30 rq, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum spige'liae flu'idum. Fluid extract of pink root. Anthel¬ 
mintic. Dose, 5 to 30 rq, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum stillin'giae flu'idum. Fluid extract of queen’s root. Alter¬ 
ative. Dose, 5 rq to f oss, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum stramo'nii. Extract of stramonium. Anodyne. Antispas- 
modic. Dose, 0.010 gm., or \ gr. 

Extrac'tum stramo'nii sem'inis. Extract of stramonium seed. Nar¬ 
cotic. Dose, J to § gr., or 0.008 to 0.033 g m - 

Extrac'tum stramo'nii sem'inis flu'idum. Fluid extract of stramo¬ 
nium seed. Narcotic. Dose, 1 to 3 rq, or 0.065 to 0.195 c - c - 

Extrac'tum sum'bul. Extract of sumbul. Antispasmodic. Nervine. 
Dose, 0.250 gm., or 4 grs. 

Extrac'tum tarax'aci. Extract of dandelion root. Laxative. Dose, 
5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Extrac'tum tarax'aci flu'idum. Fluid extract of dandelion. Laxative. 
Dose, 5 to 30 rq, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum trit'ici flu'idum. Fluid extract of couch-grass. Diuretic. 
Dose, 5 rq to J teaspoonful, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum u'vae ur'si. Extract of bearberry leaves. Diuretic. Dose, 
5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2 gm. 


i8o 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


Extrac'tum u'vse ur'si flu'idum. Fluid extract of uva ursi. Diuretic. 

Dose, 5 to 30 ttl, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum valeria'nae flu'idum. Fluid extract of valerian root. Nerve 
stimulant. Dose, 5 to 30 rq, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum vera'tri vi'ridis flu'idum. Fluid extract of American helle¬ 
bore root. Cardiac sedative. Dose, \ to 2 rq, or 0.030 to 0.13 c.c. 

Extrac'tum vibur'ni op'uli flu'idum. Fluid extract of cramp bark. 

Stimulant. Dose, 5 to 30 rq_, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum vibur'ni pru'nifo'lii flu'idum. Fluid extract of black haw 
bark. Uterine stimulant. Dose, 5 to 30 rq, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum xanthox'yli flu'idum. Fluid extract of prickly ash bark. 

Stimulant. Dose, 5 to 30 rq, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Extrac'tum zingib'eris flu'idum. Fluid extract of ginger root. Stimu¬ 
lant. Dose, 5 to 30 rq, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 


F. 


Fel bo'vis. Ox-gall. 

Fel bo'vis purifica'tum. Purified ox-gall. Laxative. Dose, 5 to 30 
grs., or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Fer'ri car'bonas sacchara'tus. Sugared iron carbonate. Hematic. 

Dose, 1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to °-^5 g m * 

Fer'ri chlo'ridum. Iron chlorid. Used in the form of tincture. 

Fer'ri ci'tras. Iron citrate. Hematic. Dose, 1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to 
0.65 gm. 

Fer'ri et ammo'nii ci'tras. Iron and ammonium citrate. Hematic. 
Dose, 1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to 0.65 gm. 

Fer'ri et ammo'nii sul'phas. Iron and ammonium sulphate. Astrin¬ 
gent washes. 

Fer'ri et ammo'nii tar'tras. Iron and ammonium tartrate. Hematic. 
Dose, 1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to °-^5 g m * 

Fer'ri et potas'sii tar'tras. Iron and potassium tartrate. Hematic. 
Dose, 1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to 0.65 gm. 

Fer'ri et quini'nse ci'tras. Iron and quinine citrate. Hematic; anti¬ 
pyretic. Dose, 1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to °-^5 g m - 

Fer'ri et quini'nae ci'tras solu'bilis. Soluble iron and quinine citrate. 
Hematic; antipyretic. Dose, 1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to °-^S g m - 

Fer'ri et strychni'nae ci'tras. Iron and strychnine citrate. Tonic; 
stimulant. Dose, 1 to 5 grs., or 0.065 to °* 3 2 5 g m * 

Note. —This salt contains one per cent, of strychnine citrate, or 
of a grain in each grain of the salt. Five grains is the maximum dose, 
and contains or of a grain of strychnine citrate. 

The following is an illustration of an unsafe if not poisonous dose. It 
is given as an illustration also of the necessity of asking the doctor, when- 


EPITOME. 


181 


ever there is doubt , for large doses are sometimes given. This is a task whicb 
is often unpleasant, but should always be fearlessly done: 

1 $. Sodium bromid,.o j 

Iron and strychnine citrate,. 5 iv 

Water, 

Syrup of hypophosphites (U. S. P.), aa q. s. ad, f oiv. 

Sig.—O ne teaspoonful three times a day, a. c. 

Each teaspoonful contains about eight grains of the salt or y 1 ^ of a grain 
of strychnine. 

Fer'ri hypophos'phis. Iron hypophosphite. Tonic in lung troubles- 
Dose, i to io grs., or 0.065 to 0.65 gm. 

Fer'ri iod'idum sacchara'tum. Sugared iron iodid.* Hematic; alter¬ 
ative. Dose, 1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to 0.65 gm. 

Fer'ri lac'tas. Iron lactate. Hematic. Dose, 1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to 
0.65 gm. 

Fer'ri ox'idum hydra'tum. Hydrated oxid of iron. Antidote in arsenical 
poisoning. Dose, f oiv and more, or 120 c.c. 

Fer'ri ox'idum hydra'tum cum magne'sia. Hydrated oxid of iron 
with magnesia. Arsenical antidote, more quickly prepared than the one 
first given. Dose, f 5 iv and more, or 120 c.c. 

Fer'ri phos'phas solu'bilis. Soluble iron phosphate. Hematic and 
nerve tonic. Dose, 1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 t° °-^5 g m - 

Fer'ri pyrophos'phas solu'bilis. Soluble iron pyrophosphate. Hem¬ 
atic. Dose, 1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to 0.65 gm. 

Fer'ri sul'phas. Iron sulphate. Hematic. Dose, 1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 
to 0.65 gm. Also in solution as a disinfectant. 

Fer'ri sul'phas exsicca'tus. Dried iron sulphate. Hematic. Dose, 
1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to 0.65 gm. 

Fer'ri sul'phas granula'tus. Granulated iron sulphate. Hematic. 

Dose, 1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to °-^5 g m - 
Fer'ri valeria'nas. Iron valerianate. Hematic; nerve stimulant. Dose, 
1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to 0.65 gm. 

Fer'rum. Iron. Hematic. Dose, 1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to °-^5 g m - 
Fer'rum reduc'tum. Reduced iron or iron by hydrogen. Hematic. 
Dose, 1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to 0.65 gm. 

Note. —This is sometimes called Quevenne’s iron, and is the only form 
of metallic iron suitable for internal administration. 

Quevenne’s iron is made in France and comes in sealed packages, and 
this sort should be used. 

Fi'cus. Fig. Laxative. Used in confections. 


*Sugar is added to iron preparations for its preserving effect. It pre¬ 
vents chemical changes. 





182 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


Fluidextrac'tum berberi'dis. Fluid extract of berberis. Tonic. Alter¬ 
ative. Dose, 2 c.c., or 30 up 

Fluidextrac'tum euon'ymi. Fluid extract euonymus. Dose, 2 c.c., or 30 rrp 

Fluidextrac'tum grana'ti. Fluid extract pomegranate. Dose, 2 c.c., or 

30 "l- 

Fluidextrac'tum lobe'liae. Fluid extract lobelia. Expectorant. Emetic. 
Dose, 0.500 c.c., or 8 rrp 

Fluidextrac'tum quer'cus. Fluid extract quercus. Astringent. Dose, 
1 c.c., or 15 up 

Fluidextrac'tum quilla'jae. Fluid extract quillaja. Dose, 1 c.c., or 
i5 "l- 

Fluidextrac'tum rham'ni purshia'nae aromat'icum. Aromatic fluid ex¬ 
tract of cascara sagrada. Cathartic. Dose, 1 c.c., or 15 rrp 

Fluidextrac'tum sanguina'riae. Fluid extract sanguinaria. Expector¬ 
ant. Emetic. Dose, 0.100 c.c., or i| rrp 

Fluidextrac'tum scil'lae. Fluid extract squill. Expectorant. Emetic. 
Diuretic. Dose, 0.100 c.c., or i§ up 

Fluidextrac'tum scopo'lae. Fluid extract scopola. Narcotic. Anodyne. 
Mydriatic. Dose, 0.050 c.c., or 1 rrp 

Fluidextrac'tum staphisa'griae. Fluid extract staphisagria. Alterative. 
Antiparasitic. Dose, 0.050 c.c., or 1 rrp 

Fluidextrac'tum stramo'nii. Fluid extract stramonium. Anodyne. Anti- 
spasmic. Dose, 0.050 c.c., or 1 rrp 

Fluidextrac'tum sum'bul. Fluid extract sumbul. Antispasmodic. Ner¬ 
vine. Dose, 2 c.c., or 30 rrp 

Fcenic'ulum. Fennel seed. Carminative. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 
to 2 gm. 

Frangu'la. Buckthorn bark. Cathartic. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 
to 2 gm. 

G. 

Gal'la. Nutgall. Astringent. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Gam'bir. Gambir. An extract prepared from the leaf. Astringent. 
Dose, 1 gm. or 15 grs. 

Gelat'inum. Gelatine. Obtained from animal tissues by treatment with 
boiling water. 

Gelat'inum glycerina'tum. Glycerinated gelatine. A jelly made from 
glycerin and gelatine. 

Gelsem'ium. Yellow jasmine root. Antispasmodic. Dose, 5 to 30 
grs., or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Gentia'na. Gentian root. Bitter tonic. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 
to 2 gm. 

Gera'nium. Crane’s-bill—the root. Astringent. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., 
or 0.325 to 2 gm. 


EPITOME. 


i8 3 

Glan'dulae thyroi'deae sic'cae. Desiccated thyroid glands. The thyroid 
glands of the sheep, purified, dried and powdered. Alterative. Antifat. 
Hemostatic. Dose, 0.250 gm., or 4 grs. 

Glan'dulae suprare'nales sic'cae. Desiccated suprarenal glands. The 

suprarenal glands of the sheep or ox, cleaned, dried and powdered. Alter¬ 
ative. Hemostatic. Vasoconstrictor. Dose, 0.250 gm., or 4 grs. 

Glyceri'num. Glycerin. Vehicle for other medicines. 

Glyceri'tum ac'idi carbol'ici. Glycerite of carbolic acid. Antiseptic 
application. 

Glyceri'tum ac'idi tan'nici. Glycerite of tannic acid. Astringent ap¬ 
plication. 

Glyceri'tum am'yli. Glycerite of starch. Emollient application. 

Glyceri'tum boroglyceri'ni. Glycerite of boroglycerin. Antiseptic ap¬ 
plication. 

Glyceri’tum fer'ri, quini'nae et strychni'nae phospha'tum. Glycerite of 
phosphates of iron, quinine and strychnine. Contains .08 per cent, of 
strychnine. Tonic. Dose, 1 c.c., or 15 rq. strych.) 

Glyceri'tum hydras'tis. Glycerite of hydrastis. Astringent and anti¬ 
septic application. 

Glyceri'tum vitel'li. Glycerite of yolk of egg. Used for emulsifying 
oils. 

Glycyrrhi'za. Licorice root. Expectorant. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 
to 2 gm. 

Glycyrrhizi'num ammonia'tum. Ammoniated glycyrrhizin. The sweet 
principle from licorice root. Used for flavoring purposes. 

Gossyp'ii ra'dicis cor'tex. Cotton-root bark. Emmenagogue. Dose, 
5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Gossyp'ium purifica'tum. Purified cotton. For surgical dressings. 

Grana'tum. Pomegranate bark. Astringent. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 
0.325 to 2 gm. 

Grinde'lia. Grindelia leaves. Antispasmodic. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 
0.325 to 2 gm. 

Guaia'ci lig'num. Guaiacum wood. Alterative. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., 
or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Guaia'ci resi'na. Resin of guaiacum. Alterative; stimulant. Dose, 5 
to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Guai'acol. Guaiacol. The chief constituent of wood creosote. Antiseptic. 
Dose, 0.500 c.c., or 8 rq. 

Guai'acolis car'bonas. Guaiacol carbonate. Antiseptic. Dose, 1 gm., or 

15 8 rs - 

Guara'na. Guarana—the crushed seeds. Stimulant. Dose, 5 to 30 
grs., or 0.325 to 2 gm. 


184 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


H. 

Haematox'ylon. Logwood. Astringent. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 
to 2 gm. 

Hamame'lis. Witch-hazel leaves. Astringent. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., 
or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Hamamel'idis cor'tex. Hamamelis bark. Astringent. Dose, 2 gm., or 
30 grs. 

Hedeo'ma. Pennyroyal leaves. Stimulant. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 
to 2 gm. 

Hexamethylenami'na. Hexamethylenamine. Urotro'pin (Trade name). 
From f rmaldehyde by ammonia. Diuretic. Uric acid solvent. Anti¬ 
septic. Dose, 0.250 gm., or 4 grs. 

Homat'ropinae hydrobro'midum. Homatropine hydrobromide. An arti¬ 
ficial alkaloid. Mydriatic. Dose, 0.0005 g m -> or - g r * 

Hydrar'gyri chlo'ridum corro'sivum. Corrosive mercuric chlorid. Cor¬ 
rosive chlorid of mercury. Corrosive sublimate. Bichlorid of mercury. 
Perchlorid of mercury. Alterative. Dose, to | of a gr., or 0.002 
to 0.008 gm. 

Hydrar'gyri chlo'ridum mi'te.* Mild mercurous chlorid. Mild chlorid 
of mercury. Calomel. Subchlorid of mercury. Cholagogue. Dose, 
1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to °-^5 g m * 

Hydrar'gyri cyan'idum. Cyanid of mercury. Alterative; sedative. 

Dose, to I of a gr., or 0.003 to 0.008 gm. 

Hydrar'gyri iod'idum fla'vum. Yellow iodid of mercury. Alterative. 

Dose, \ to \ gr., or 0.016 to 0.030 gm. 

Hydrar'gyri iod'idum ru'brum. Red iodid of mercury. Alterative. 

Dose, to £ of a gr., or 0.004 to 0.016 gm. 

Hydrar'gyri ox'idum fla'vum. Yellow .oxid of mercury. Stimulant. 

External use. 

Hydrar'gyri ox'idum ru'brum. Red oxid of mercury. Red precipitate. 
Stimulant. External use. 

Hydrar'gyri subsul'phas fla'vus. Turpeth mineral. Yellow subsul¬ 
phate of mercury. Alterative. Dose, 2 to 4 grs., or 0.13 to 0.26 gm. 

Hydrar'gyrum. Mercury. Quicksilver. Alterative. Dose, 1 to 3 grs., 
or 0.065 to 0.195 g m - 

Hydrar'gyrum ammonia'tum. Ammoniated mercury. White precip¬ 
itate. Stimulant; alterative. External use. 

Hydrar'gyrum cum cre'ta. Mercury with chalk. Gray powder. Alter¬ 
ative. Dose, 1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to 0.65 gm. 

Hydrasti'na. Hydrastine. An alkaloid from hydrastis. Tonic. Hemo¬ 
static. Sedative. Dose, 0.030 gm., or ^ gr. 


*Under the heading Mercury Salts, it has been advised that only the 
common names corrosive sublimate and calomel be used. See text. 



EPITOME. 185 

Hydrastini'nae hydrochlo'ras. Hydrastinine hydrochlorate. Oxytocic. 
Dose, 2 to 1 gr., or 0.033 to 0.065 § m * 

Hydras'tis. Golden seal—root. Tonic; cathartic. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., 
or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Hyosci'nae hydrobro'mas. Hyoscine hydrobromate. Alkaloid from 
hyoscyamus. Sedative; narcotic. Dose, to of a gr., or 0.0006* 
to 0.001 gm. 

Hyoscyami'nae hydrobro'mas. Hyoscyamine hydrobromate. Alkaloid 
from hyoscyamus. Narcotic. Dose, ^ of a gr., or 0.001 gm. 

Hyoscyami'nae sul'phas. Hyoscyamine sulphate. Narcotic. Dose, ^ 
of a gr., or 0.001 gm. 

Hyoscy'amus. Hyoscyamus, or henbane leaves. Narcotic. Dose, 1 to 
3 grs., or 0.065 to 0.195 g m - 


I. 

Ichthyocol'la. Isinglass. Fish gelatin. Used in the preparation of jellies. 

Illi'cium. Star anise seed. Carminative. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 
to 2 gm. 

Infu' sa. Infusions. Whenever an infusion is ordered, and the strength 
not given, use one ounce of herb to a pint of water. See in the text, 
under title of Infusions. 

Infu'sum cincho'nae. Infusion of Peruvian bark. Tonic; antipyretic. 
Dose, f S j to f §ij, or 30 to 60 c.c. 

Infu'sum digita'lis. Infusion of digitalis, or foxglove. Stimulant. Dose, 
f oss to f oij, or 2 to 8 c.c. One fluidram of this infusion equals about 

1 gr. of the drug. 

Infu'sum pru'ni virginia'nae. Infusion of wild cherry bark. Sedative. 
Dose, f 3 j to f oij, or 30 to 60 c.c. 

Infu'sum sen'nae compos'itum. Compound infusion of senna. Black 
draught. Cathartic. Dose, f oiv to f oij, or 16 to 60 c.c. 

In'ula. Elecampane—the root. Stimulant; alterative. Dose, 5 to 30 
grs. or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

lodofor'mum. Iodoform. Used in antiseptic dressings, 
lod'olum. Iodol. An iodine compound used as an antiseptic. Dose. 
0.250 gm., or 4 gr. 

Io'dum. Iodine. Used externally as an alterative. 

Ipecacuan'ha. Ipecac—the root. Emetic. Dose, 10 to 30 grs., or 
0.650 to 2 gm. Expectorant. Dose, 1 to 3 grs., or 0.065 to -*95 g m - 

I'ris. Blue flag—the root. Cathartic. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 

2 gm. 


*There are no names for the fractional parts of a milligram; 0.0006 is 
read j 6 ^ of a milligram. 




i86 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


J- 

Jala'pa. Jalap—the root. Cathartic. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 
2 gm. 

Jug'lans. Butternut bark. Laxative. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 
2 gm. 

K. 

Kama'la. Kamala. Anthelmintic; tenicide. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 
0.325 to 2 gm. 

Kaoli'num. Kaoline. A native aluminum silicate. Used externally as a 
cataplasm to allay inflammation. 

Ki'no. Kino; juice from the wood. Astringent. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., 
or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Krame'ria. Rhatany—the root. Astringent. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 
0.325 to 2 gm. 

L. 

Lactuca'rium. Lactucarium. The dried juice. Anodyne. Dose, 5 
to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Lap'pa. Burdock root. Laxative. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2 
gm. 

Leptan'dra. Culver’s root. Cathartic. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 
2 gm. 

Limo'nis cor'tex. Lemon peel. Used as a flavor. 

Limo'nis suc'cus. Lemon juice. Refrigerant. Dose, the juice of one 
or more lemons. 

Linimen'tum ammo'niae. Ammonia liniment. Stimulant. External use. 

Linimen'tum belladon'nae. Belladonna liniment. Anodyne. External 
use. 

Linimen'tum cal'cis. Lime liniment. Carron oil. 

Note. —In view of the sudden need for this preparation in burn cases, 

this is the formula: Lime water, raw linseed oil, equal parts. 

Linimen'tum campho'rae. Camphor liniment. Anodyne. External use. 

Linimen'tum chlorofor'mi. Chloroform liniment. Anodyne. 

Linimen'tum sapo'nis. Soap liniment. Stimulant; alterative. 

Linimen'tum sapo'nis mol'lis. Soft soap liniment. Stimulant; emol¬ 
lient; detergent. 

Linimen'tum sina'pis compos'itum. Compound mustard liniment. 
Rubefacient. 

Linimen'tum terebin'thinae. Turpentine liniment. Stimulant. 

Li'num. Linseed. Flax-seed. Demulcent in form of infusion. Used 
in the ground state, as flax-seed meal in poultices. 


EPITOME. 187 

Li'quor ac'idi arseno'si. Solution of arsenous acid. Alterative. Dose, 
1 to 5 rq, or 0.065 to 0.325 c.c. 1 rq = of a gr. of the acid. 

Li'quor ammo'nii aceta'tis. Solution of ammonium acetate. Spirit of 
mindererus. Diaphoretic. Dose, f oj to f 0 j, or 4 to 30 c.c. 

Li'quor antisep'ticus. Antiseptic solution. Composed of boric acid, 
benzoic acid, thymol, eucalyptol, oil peppermint, oil gaultheria, oil of 
thyme, alcohol and water. 

Li'quor ar'seni et hydrar'gyri iod'idi. Solution of arsenic and mer¬ 
curic iodide. Donovan’s solution. Alterative. Dose, 1 to 5 rq, or 0.065 
to 0.325 c.c. 

Li'quor cal'cis. Lime water. Ant-acid. Dose, f 5 j to f oij, or 4 to 60 c.c. 

Li'quor creso'lis compos'itus. Compound solution of cresol. A coal- 
tar product rendered soluble in water by the admixture of soap. Anti¬ 
septic. 

Li'quor fer'ri aceta'tis. Solution of iron acetate. Tonic. Dose, 1 to 
10 rq, or 0.065 to 0.65 c.c. 

Li'quor fer'ri chlo'ridi. Solution of iron chloride. Tonic. Dose, 1 to 
10 rq, or 0.065 to 0.65 c.c. 

Li'quor fer'ri citra'tis. Solution of iron citrate. Tonic. Dose, 1 to 
10 rq, or 0.065 to 0.65 c.c. 

Li'quor fer'ri et ammo'nii aceta'tis. Solution of iron and ammonium 
acetate. Basham’s mixture. Diuretic. Dose, f oj to f oviij or 4 to 
30 c.c. 

Li'quor fer'ri nitra'tis. Solution of iron nitrate. 

Li'quor fer'ri subsulpha'tis. Solution of iron subsulphate. Monsel’s 
solution. Styptic. Dose, 2 to 10 rq, or 0.13 to 0.65 c.c. 

Li'quor fer'ri tersulpha'tis. Solution of iron sulphate. Tonic. Dose, 
1 to 5 rq, or 0.065 to 0.65 c.c. 

Li'quor formaldehy'di. Solution formaldehyd. From methyl or wood 
alcohol. 

Li'quor hydrar'gyri nitra'tis. Solution of mercuric nitrate. 

Li'quor io'di compos'itus. Compound solution of iodine. Lugol’s 
solution. Alterative. Dose, 1 to 10 rq, or 0.065 to 0.65 c.c. 

Li'quor magne'sii citra'tis. Solution of magnesium citrate. Cathartic. 
Dose, f 5 j to f oxij, or 30 to 360 c.c. 

Li'quor plum'bi subaceta'tis. Solution of subacetate of lead. Used 
externally. 

Li'quor plum'bi subaceta'tis dilu'tus. Diluted solution of lead sub¬ 
acetate. Astringent. External use. 

Li'quor potas'sae. Solution of potassa. Ant-acid; diuretic. Dose, 5 to 
30 rq, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Li'quor potas'sii arseni'tis. Solution of potassium arsenite. Fowler’s 
solution. Alterative. Dose, 1 to 10 rq, or 0.065 to 0.65 c.c. 
irq = T ^y of a grain of potassium arsenite. 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


188 

Li'quor potas'sii citra'tis. Solution of potassium citrate. Diuretic. 
Dose, f 5 j to foj, or 4 to 30 c.c. 

Li'quor so'dae. Solution of soda. Seldom used uncombined. 

Li'quor so'dse chlora'tae. Solution of chlorinated soda. Labarraque’s 
solution. Disinfectant. 

Li'quor so'dii arsena'tis. Solution of sodium arsenate. Alterative. 
Dose, 1 to 10 rq, or 0.065 0-65 c.c. 

Li'quor so'dii phospha'tis compos'itus. Compound solution of sodium 
phosphate. 1 c.c. equal 1 gm. of the salt. Cathartic. Dose, 8 c.c., or f oij. 

Li'quor so'dii silica'tis. Solution of sodium silicate. Used in surgery 
mechanically. 

Li'quor zinci chlo'ridi. Solution of zinc chloride. Deodorizer and 
disinfectant. 

Lith'ii ben'zoas. Lithium benzoate. Diuretic. Dose, 10 to 30 grs., 
or 0.65 to 2 gm. 

Lith'ii bro'midum. Lithium bromide. Hypnotic. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., 
or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Lith'ii car'bonas. Lithium carbonate. Antacid. Dose, 5 to 15 grs., 
or 0.325 to 1 gm. 

Lith'ii ci'tras. Lithium citrate. Antacid. Dose, 10 to 30 grs., or 0.65 
to 2 gm. 

Lith'ii ci'tras efferves'cens. Effervescent lithium citrate. Ant-acid. 
Dose, oj to 5 ij, or 4 to 8 gm. 

Lith'ii salicyl'as. Lithium salicylate. Antirheumatic. Dose, 10 to 30 
grs., or 0.65 to 2 gm. 

Lobe'lia. Lobelia leaves. Emetic. Dose, 1 to 3 grs., or 0.065 to 0.195 
gm. 

Lupuli'num. Lupulin. A powder from the hop flower. Hypnotic. 
Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Lycopo'dium. Lycopodium. A vegetable powder. Used externally as 
an absorbent. 

M. 

Ma' cis. Mace. The envelope of the nutmeg. Carminative; sedative. 
Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Magne'sia. Calcined magnesia. Cathartic. Dose, 5 to 60 grs., or 0.325 
to 4 gm. 

Magne'sia pondero'sa. Heavy calcined magnesia. Cathartic. Dose, 
5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Magne'sii car'bonas. Magnesium carbonate. Antacid. Dose, 5 to 3c 
grs., or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Magne'sii ci'tras efferves'cens. Effervescent magnesium citrate. Mag¬ 
nesium citrate mechanically wrought into granular form. Cathartic. 
Dose, oj to oj, or 4 to 30 gm. 


EPITOME. 


189 

Magne'sii sul'phas. Magnesium sulphate. Epsom salt. From mag¬ 
nesium carbonate by sulphuric acid. Cathartic. Dose, oj to oviij, or 
4 to 30 gm. 

Magne'sii sul'phas efferves'cens. Effervescent magnesium sulphate. 
Cathartic. 50 per cent, magnesium sulphate. Dose, 16 gm., or 240 gr. 

Mal'tum. Malt. The grain of barley partly germinated or sprouted arti¬ 
ficially and dried. 

Manga'ni diox'idum. Manganese dioxide or binoxide or black oxide. 
Tonic. Dose, 1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to 0.65 gm. 

Manga'ni hypophos'phis. Manganese hypophosphite. Nerve tonic. 
Dose, 0.200 gm., or 3 gr. 

Manga'ni sul'phas. Manganese sulphate. Hepatic stimulant. Dose, 

1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to 0.65 gm. 

Man'na. Manna. A sugary vegetable excretion. Cathartic. Dose, 3 j 
to 5j, or 4 to 30 gm. 

Marru'bium. Horehound leaves. Tonic. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 
to 2 gm. 

Mas'sa copai'bae. Mass of copaiba. A mixture of copaiba and mag¬ 
nesia. 

Mas'sa fer'ri carbona'tis. Mass of iron carbonate. Tonic. Dose, 1 to 
10 grs., or 0.065 to 0.65 gm.* 

Mas'sa hydrar'gyri. Blue mass. Alterative. Dose, 1 to 10 grs., or 
0.065 to 0.65 gm. 

Mas'tiche. Mastic, a gum. Alterative stimulant. Dose, 1 to 5 grs., 
or 0.065 to 0.325 gm. 

Mat'ico. Matico leaves. Tonic. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2 gm. 
Matrica'ria. German chamomile flowers. Tonic. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., 
or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Mel. Honey. Used as a vehicle. 

Mel despuma'tum. Clarified honey. Used as a vehicle. 

Mel ro'sae. Honey of rose. From rose petals and honey. Used as a vehicle. 
Melis' sa. Balm-leaves. Diaphoretic. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 

2 gm. 

Menisper'mum. Canadian moonseed. Alterative. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., 
or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Men'tha piperi'ta. Peppermint leaves. Carminative. Dose, 5 to 30 
grs., or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Men'tha vir'idis. Spearmint leaves. Carminative. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., 
or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Men'thol. Menthol. A crystalline substance from oil of peppermint. 
Chief use as a local anesthetic. 


*Massae, masses. Mass is the name given to drugs which have been 
formed into a plastic mass in readiness for division into pill form. 




MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


190 

Me'thyl salicy'las. Methyl salicylate. Artificial oil of wintergreen. 
Alterative in rheumatic affections. Dose, 1 to 5 or 0.065 to °- 3 2 5 c - c - 

Methylthioni'nae hydrochlori'dum. Methylthionine hydrochloride. 
Methylene blue. Synthetic product. Bactericide. Dose, 0.250 gm., 
or 4 gr. 

Meze'reum. Mezereum bark. Stimulant. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 
to 2 gm. Also externally as a vesicant. 

Mistu'ra cre'tae. Chalk mixture. Chalk, gum Arabic, sugar, cinnamon 
water. Astringent. Dose, f oj to f oiv, or 4 to 15 c.c. 

Mistu'ra fer'ri compo'sita. Compound iron mixture. Iron, myrrh, 
spirit of lavender, and rose water. Tonic. Dose, f 5 j to f 5 iv, or 4 to 
15 c.c. 

Mistu'ra glycyrrhi'zae compos'ita. Compound licorice mixture. Pare¬ 
goric, wine of antimony, spirit of nitre, sugar, licorice, water. Expec¬ 
torant. Dose, f oj to f oiv, or 4 to 15 c.c. Each tablespoonful or f §ss 
or 15 c.c. contains J of a grain of opium. 

Mistu'ra rhe'i et so'dae. Mixture of rhubarb and soda. Rhubarb, 
ipecac, essence of peppermint, glycerin, sodium bicarbonate. Stomachic; 
carminative. Dose, f oj to f 5 iv, or 4 to 15 c.c. 

Morphi'na. Morphine. Alkaloid from opium. Narcotic; anodyne. Dose, 
tV to i gr., or 0.004 to 0.016 gm. 

Morphi'nas ac'etas. Morphine acetate. From morphine by acetic acid. 
Anodyne. Dose, TS to j gr. or 0.004 to 0.016 gm. 

Morphi'nas hydrochlo'ras. Morphine hydrochlorate. From morphine 
by hydrochloric acid. Anodyne. Dose, jq- to \ gr., or 0.004 to 0.016 gm. 

Morphi'nae sul'phas. Morphine sulphate. From morphine by sul¬ 
phuric acid. Anodyne. Dose, ytg- to { gr., or 0.004 to 0.016 gm. 

Mos'chus. Musk. A secretion from the musk deer. Antispasmodic. 
Dose, 1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to 0.65 gm. 

Mucila'go aca'ciae. Mucilage of gum Arabic. Demulcent drink. 

Mucila'go sas'safras medul'lae. Mucilage of sassafras pith. Domes¬ 
tic medicine as an eye-wash. 

Mucila'go tragacan'thae. Mucilage of tragacanth. 

Mucila'go ul'mi. Mucilage of elm bark. Demulcent drink. 

Myris'tica. Nutmeg—the seed. Sedative; carminative. Dose, 5 to 30 
grs., or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Myr'rha. Myrrh—the gum. Stimulant. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 
to 2 c.c. 


N. 


Naphtali'num. Naphtalene. One of the coal-tar products. Anti¬ 
septic. Dose, 1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to 0.65 gm. 

Naph'tol. Beta-naphtol. One of the coal-tar products. Antiseptic. 
Dose, 1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to 0.65 gm. 


EPITOME. 


191 


Nux vom'ica. Nux vomica; seed. Tonic. Dose, 1 to 3 grs., or 0.065 
to 0.195 g m - 


O. 


Olea'tum a'tropinae. Oleate of atropine. From atropine by oleic acid. 
Anodyne, antispasmodic. External use. 

Olea'tum cocai'nae. Oleate of cocaine. From cocaine by oleic acid. 

Olea'tum hydrar'gyri. Oleate of mercury. From oxid of mercury by 
oleic acid. Alterative; stimulant. For external use. 

Olea'tum quini'nae. Oleate of quinine. From quinine by oleic acid. 

Olea'tum veratri'nae.* Oleate of veratrine. From veratrine and oleic 
acid. Irritant. External use. 

Olea'tum zin'ci. Oleate of zinc. From zinc oxid and oleic acid. Ab¬ 
sorbent. External use. 

Oleoresi'na aspid'ii. Oleoresin of male fern. Prepared from the root. 
Tenicide. Dose, f 5 ss to f 5 j, or 2 to 4 c.c. 

Oleoresi'na cap'sici. Oleoresin of capsicum. Prepared from the fruit. 
Stimulant. Dose, | to 1 rq, or 0.016 to 0.065 c.c. 

Oleoresi'na cube'bae. Oleoresin of cubeb. Prepared from the berry. 
Diuretic. Dose, 5 to 30 rq, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Oleoresi'na lupuli'ni. Oleoresin of lupulin. Prepared from the powder. 
Hypnotic. Dose, 1 to 10 rq, or 0.065 to 0.65 c.c. 

Oleoresi'na pi'peris. Oleoresin of black pepper. Prepared from the 
berries. Stimulant. Dose, \ to 2 rq, or 0.016 to 0.130 c.c. 

Oleoresi'na zingibe'ris. Oleoresin of ginger. Stimulant. Dose, ^ to 2 rq, 
or 0.033 to 0.130 c.c. 

O'leum ad'ipis. Lard oil. Expressed from cold lard. 

O'leum sethe'reum. Ethereal oil. From alcohol by sulphuric acid. 
O'leum amyg'dalae ama'rae.f Oil of bitter almond. 

O'leum amyg'dalae expres'sum. Expressed oil of almonds. Laxative. 
Dose, f 5 j to f oiv, or 4 to 16 c.c. 

O'leum ani'si. Oil of anise. Carminative. Dose, 1 to 5 rq, or 0.065 
to 0.325 c.c. 

O'leum auran'tii cor'ticis. Oil of orange peel. 

O'leum auran'tii flo'rum. Oil of orange flowers. 

O'leum bergamot'tae. Oil of bergamot. 

O'leum betu'lae volat'ile. Volatile oil of betula. Substitute for oil of 
wintergreen. Alterative. Dose, 1 to 5 rq, or 0.065 t° °- 3 2 5 c - c * 

O'leum cadi'num. Oil of cade. Stimulant. External use. 

O'leum cajupu'ti. Oil of cajuput. Stimulant. External use. 


*Veratrine is an alkaloid obtained from a seed called sabadilla seed. 
fUnless otherwise expressed, these volatile oils are used as flavors. 



192 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


O'leum ca'rui. Oil of caraway seed. Carminative. Dose, 1 to 5 rt|, 
or 0.065 to 0.325 c.c. 

O'leum caryophyl'li. Oil of cloves. Stimulant. Dose, 1 to 5 iq, or 
0.065 to 0.325 6.c. 

O'leum chenopo'dii. Oil of American wormseed. Anthelmintic. Dose, 
3 to 10 ri|, or 0.195 t° 0-65 c.c. 

O'leum cinnamo'mi. Oil of cinnamon. Stimulant. Dose, 1 to 10 rq, 
or 0.065 to 0.65 c.c. 

O'leum copai'bae. Oil of copaiba. Stimulant. Dose, 1 to 10 rq, or 
0.065 to 0.65 c.c. 

O'leum corian'dri. Oil of coriander seed. Stimulant. Dose, 1 to 5 
n\, or 0.065 to 0.325 c.c. 

O'leum cube'bae. Oil of cubeb berries. Stimulant. Dose, 1 to 5 n\, 
or 0.065 to 0.325 c.c. 

O'leum erigeroni'tis. Oil of fleabane. Stimulant. Dose, 1 to 5 rq, 

or 0.065 to 0.325 c.c. 

O'leum eucalyp'ti. Oil of eucalyptus. Expectorant. Dose, 1 to 10 

rq, or 0.065 to 0.65 c.c. 

O'leum foenic'uli. Oil of fennel seed. Carminative. Dose, 1 to 5 n^, 
or 0.065 to 0.325 c.c. 

O'leum gaulthe'riae. Oil of wintergreen. Alterative. Dose, 5 to 30 

rq, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

O'leum gossyp'ii sem'inis. Oil of cotton seed. For external use. 

O'leum hedeo'mae. Oil of pennyroyal. Stimulant. Dose, 1 to 5 Tq, 

or 0.065 to 0.325 c.c. 

O'leum junip'eri. Oil of juniper berries. Diuretic. Dose, 1 to 10 rq, 
or 0.065 to 0.65 c.c. * 

O'leum lavandulae florum. Oil of lavender flowers. Stimulant. Ex¬ 
ternal use. 

O'leum limo'nis. Oil of lemon peel. 

O'leum li'ni. Oil of linseed or flaxseed. External use. 

O'leum men'thae piperi'tae. Oil of peppermint leaves. Carminative. 
Dose, 1 to 5 rq, or 0.065 to 0.325 c.c. 

O'leum men'thae vir'idis. Oil of spearmint leaves. Carminative. Dose, 
1 to 5 tti, or 0.065 to 0.325 c.c. 

O'leum morrhu'ae. Cod-liver oil. Tonic. Dose, f oj to f 5 iv, or 4 to 
16 c.c. 

O'leum myr'ciae. Oil of bay leaves. Stimulant. External use. 

O'leum myris'ticae. Oil of nutmeg. Sedative. Dose, 1 to 5 rq, or 
0.065 to 0.325 c.c. 

O'leum ol'ivae. Olive oil. Laxative. Dose, f o j to f 3 iv, or 4 to 16 c.c. 

O'leum phosphora'tum. Phosphorized oil. Tonic. Dose, 1 to 5 rq, 01 
0.065 to 0.325 c.c. One minim contains of a gr. of phosphorus. 

O'leum pi'cis liq'uidae. Oil of tar. Stimulant. External use. 


EPITOME. 193 

O'leum pimen'tae. Oil of allspice berry. Carminative. Dose, 1 to 
5 rr^, or 0.065 to °-3 2 5 c - c * 

O'leum ric'ini. Castor oil. Cathartic. Dose, f oj to f § j, or 4 to 30 c.c. 

O'leum ro'sae. Oil of rose petals. 

O'leum rosmari'ni. Oil of rosemary leaves. Stimulant. External use. 

O'leum sabi'nae. Oil of savine. Uterine stimulant. Dose, 1 to 5 rr^, or 
0.065 to °-3 2 5 c * c * 

O'leum santa'li. Oil of sandalwood. Stimulant. Dose, 10 to 30 rr^, 
or 0.65 to 2 c.c. 

O'leum sas'safras. Oil of sassafras bark. Stimulant. Dose, 1 to 5 rr^, 
or 0.065 to 0.325 c.c. 

O'leum ses'ami. Teel oil. Benne oil. Laxative. Dose, f 5 j to f oiv, 
or 4 to 16 c.c. 

O'leum sina'pis volat'ile. Volatile oil of mustard. Rubefacient. Ex¬ 
ternal use. 

O'leum terebin'thinae. Oil of turpentine. Stimulant. Dose, 5 to 30 n^, 
or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

O'leum terebin'thinae rectifica'tum. Rectified oil of turpentine. 

O'leum theobroma'tis. Cacao butter. Used for making suppositories. 

O'leum thy'mi. Oil of thyme. Stimulant. Dose, 1 to 5 n|, or 0.065 
to 0.325 c.c. 

O'leum tig'lii. Croton oil. Violent cathartic. Poison. Dose, J to 2 n\, 
or 0.033 t° 0.13 c - c - 

O'pii pul' vis. Powdered opium containing 12^ per cent, of morphine— 
about | of a grain of morphine to each grain of opium. Narcotic. 
Dose, J to 2 grs., or 0.033 to 0.13 gm. 

O'pium. Gum opium. The concrete milk-juice from the Eastern poppy; 
varying in the amount of alkaloid present. Narcotic. Dose, | to 2 
grs., or 0.033 to 0.13 gm. 

O'pium deodora'tum. Deodorized opium. Opium from which the 
narcotine has been removed. It is less nauseating than native opium. 
Narcotic. Dose, § to 2 grs., or 0.033 to 0.13 gm. 

O'pium granula'tum. Granulated opium. One of the several forms of 
opium. 

P. 

Pancreati'num. Pancreatin. A digestive ferment from the pancreas 
of the calf. 

Paraffi'num. Paraffin. Obtained from petroleum. External use, in oint¬ 
ments. 

Paraldehy'dum. Paraldehyd. A product of the decomposition of alco¬ 
hol. Hypnotic. Dose, 1 to 3 r^, or 0.065 to 0.195 c - c * 

Parei'ra. Pareira brava—root. Diuretic. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 
2 gm. 

13 


194 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


Pelietieri'nae tan'nas. Tannate of pelletierine. A mixture of alkaloids 
obtained from pomegranate. Vermicide. Dose, 0.250 gm., or 4 gr. 

Pe'po. Pumpkin seed. Tenicide. Dose, \ to 2 oz., or 15 to 60 gm. 

Pepsi'num. Pepsin. A digestive ferment from the stomach of the hog. 
Dose, 1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to 0.65 gm. 

Pepsi'num sacchara'tum. Saccharated pepsin. One part pepsin, ten 
parts sugar of milk. 

Petrola'tum al'bum. White petrolatum. Obtained from petroleum and 
used externally in ointments. 

Petrola'tum liq'uidum. Liquid petrolatum. Distilled from petroleum. 

Petrola'tum mol'le. Soft petrolatum. Distilled from petroleum. 

Petrola'tum spis'sum. Hard petrolatum. Distilled from petroleum. 
These are used as ointments, other substances being added to them for 
medication. Vaselin is similar to petroleum; so is cosmoline. 

Phe'nol. Phenol. (Carbolic acid.) A coal-tar product. Dose, 0.065 
gm., or 1 gr. 

Phe'nol liquefac'tum. Liquefied phenol. Composed of 86.4 per cent, or 
more of phenol and the balance water. Antiseptic. Dose, 0.050 c.c., 
or 1 rrp 

Phos'phorus. Phosphorus. Obtained from bones. Stimulant. Dose, 
■fa of a gr., or 0.001 gm. 

Physostig'ma. Calabar bean. Sedative. Dose, 5 to 2 grs., or 0.033 to 
0.13 gm. 

Physostigmi'nae salicy'las. Physostigmine salicylate. Sedative. Dose, 
T g-g- of a gr., or 0.00065 gm. 

Physostigmi'nae sul'phas. Physostigmine sulphate. Sedative. Dose, 
of a gr., or 0.00065 g m * 

Phytolac'cae fruc'tus. Poke berries. Laxative. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 
0.325 to 2 gm. 

Phytolac'cae ra'dix. Poke root. Laxative. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 
to 2 gm. 

Picrotox'inum. Picrotoxin. Active principle of fish berry. Tonic; anti- 
spasmodic. Dose, of a gr., or 0.001 gm. 

Pilocarpi'nae hydrochlo'ras. Pilocarpine hydrochlorate. Diaphoretic. 
Dose, of a gr., or 0.006 gm. 

Pilocarpi'nae ni'tras. Pilocarpine nitrate. An alkaloid obtained from 
pilocarpus leaves. Diaphoretic, diuretic, scialagogue, myotic. Dose, 
0.010 gm., or l gr. 

Pilocar'pus. Jaborandi leaves. Diaphoretic. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 
0.325 to 2 gm. 

Pil'ulae al' oes. Pills of aloes. Cathartic. Dose, 1 to 5 pills (2 grs. each). 

Pil'ulae al' oes et asafce'tidae. Pills of aloes and asafetida. Cathartic; 
anodyne. Dose, 1 to 5 pills. 

Pil'ulae al'oes et fer'ri. Pills of aloes and iron. Tonic; cathartic- 
Dose, 1 to 3 pills. 


EPITOME. 


195 


Pil'ulae al'oes et mas'tiches. Pills of aloes and mastic. Laxative. Dose, 
1 to 5 pills. 

Pil'ulae al'oes et myr'rhae. Pills of aloes and myrrh. Stimulant; cathartic. 
Dose, 1 to 5 pills. 

Pil'ulae antimo'nii compos'itae. Compound pills of antimony. Altera¬ 
tive. Dose, 1 to 3 pills. 

Pil'ulae asafoe'tidae. Pills of asafetida. Sedative. Dose, 1 to 5 pills. 

Pil'ulae cathar'ticae compos'itae. Compound cathartic pills. Calomel, 
gamboge, colocynth, and jalap. Cathartic. Dose, 1 to 5 pills. 

Pil'ulae cathar'ticae vegetab'iles. Vegetable cathartic pills. Cathartic. 
Dose, 1 to 5 pills. 

Pil'ulae fer'ri carbona'tis. Bland’s pills. Pills of iron carbonate. Tonic. 
Dose, 1 to 5 pills. 

Pil'ulae fer'ri iod'idi. Pills of iron iodide. Tonic; alterative. Dose, 
1 to 3 pills. 

Pil'ulae laxati'vae compos'itae. Compound laxative pills. Composed of 
aloin, strychnine, ext. belladonna, ipecac, glycyrrhiza. (y^ strychnine 
to each pill.) Laxative. Dose, 2 pills. 

Pil'ulae o'pii. Pills of opium (1 gr.). Narcotic. Dose, 1 or 2 pills. 

Pil'ulae phos'phori. Pills of phosphorus of a gr.). Tonic. Dose, 
1 or 2 pills. 

Pil'ulae podophyl'li, belladon'nae et cap'sici. Pills of podophyllin, 
belladonna and capsicum. Composed of podophyllin, belladonna, 
capsicum. Cathartic. Dose, 1 pill. 

Pil'ulae rhe'i. Pills of rhubarb. Cathartic; astringent. Dose, 1 to 5 
pills. 

Pil'ulae rhe'i compos'itae. Compound rhubarb pills. Cathartic. Dose, 

1 to 5 pills. 

Pimen'ta. Allspice fruit. Carminative. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 
to 2 gm. 

Pip 'er. Black pepper fruit. Stimulant. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 

2 gm. 

Piperi'num. Piperin. Active principle from pepper. Stimulant. Dose, 
1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to 0.65 gm. 

Pix burgun'dica. Burgundy pitch. A resinous exudation. Stimulant. 
External use as a plaster. 

Pix liq'uida. Tar. An oleoresin from pine wood. Stimulant. Used in 
the form of syrup of tar. 

Plum'bi ac'etas. Lead acetate. Sugar of lead. From lead by acetic 
acid. Astringent; sedative. Dose, \ to 3 grs., or 0.033 to °- I 95 g m - 
Plum'bi car'bonas. Lead carbonate. From lead by carbonic acid gas. 
Used externally. 

Plum'bi iod'idum. Lead iodide. From lead nitrate and potassium 
iodid. When given internally—dose, ^ to 3 grs., or 0.033 to 0>I 95 g m * 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


196 

Plum'bi ni'tras. Lead nitrate. Used for preparing the iodide. 

Plum'bi ox'idum. Lead oxide. Used for preparing lead plaster. 

Podophyl'lum. Podophyllum or May apple—root. Cathartic. Dose, 
5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Potas'sa. Caustic potash. Potassium hydrate. Made from potassium 
carbonate and lime. Used as a caustic. 

Potas'sa cum cal'ce. Potash with lime. By mixing lime and potash 
together in powder. Used as a caustic. 

Potas'sa sulphura'ta. Sulphurated potash. By heating sulphur and 
potassium carbonate. Alterative. Dose, 1 to 5 grs., or 0.065 to 0.325 gm. 

Potas'sii ace'tas. Potassium acetate. By the action of acetic acid upon 
potassium carbonate. Diuretic. Dose, 5 to 20 grs., or 0.325 to 1.3 gm. 

Potas'sii bicar'bonas. Potassium bicarbonate. By causing potassium 
carbonate, water, and carbonic acid gas to unite. Antacid. Dose, 5 to 
30 grs., or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Potas'sii bichro'mas. Potassium bichromate. Obtained from a native 
chromate of iron. Alterative. Dose, ^ of a gr., or 0.012 gm. 

Potas'sii bitar'tras. Potassium bitartrate. Cream of tartar. A product 
deposited in wine casks. Refrigerant; laxative. Dose, 5 j to oiv, or 
4 to 15 gm. 

Potas'sii bromi'dum. Potassium bromide. By uniting the element 
bromine with potassium. Hypnotic. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Potas'sii car'bonas. Potassium carbonate. Washed out from wood 
ashes. Antacid. Dose, 5 to 10 grs., or 0.325 to 0.65 gm. 

Potas'sii chlo'ras. Potassium chlorate. By a process which brings fresh 
chlorine gas into contact with potassium hydrate. Prophylactic. Mainly 
as a wash for the throat. 

Potas'sii ci'tras. Potassium citrate. Citric acid when mixed with potas¬ 
sium carbonate forms potassium citrate. Diaphoretic. Dose, 5 to 20 
grs., or 0.325 to 1.3 gm. 

Potas'sii ci'tras efferves'cens. Effervescing potassium citrate. Potas¬ 
sium bicarbonate and citric acid with sugar are mixed in a dry state and, 
when thrown into water, effervesce, forming a pleasing drink. 

Potas'sii cyan'idum. Potassium cyanide. By hydrocyanic upon potas¬ 
sium carbonate, by a roundabout process. Sedative. Dose, | of a gr., 
or 0.008 gm. 

Potas'sii et so'dii tar'tras. Rochelle salt. Potassium and sodium 
tartrate. By mixing cream tartar and sodium carbonate. Laxative. 
Dose, 5 j to 3 iv, or 4 to 15 gm. 

Potas'sii ferrocyan'idum. Potassium ferrocyanide. A compound com¬ 
bining potassium, iron, and hydrocyanic acid. Used chiefly in testing in 
chemical analysis. 

Potas'sii hypophos'phis. Potassium hypophosphite. By mixing potas¬ 
sium carbonate with calcium hypophosphite, potassium hypophosphite is 
formed. Used in conjunction with other hypophosphites as an altera¬ 
tive in phthisis. Dose, 10 grs., or 0.65 gm. 


EPITOME. I97 

Potas'sii iod'idum. Potassium iodide. From iodine and potassa. Altera¬ 
tive. Dose, 5 grs. to oj, or 0.325 to 30 gm. 

Potas'sii ni'tras. Potassium nitrate. Found native in the soil of East 
India. Diuretic. Dose, 1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to 0.65 gm. 

Potas'sii perman'ganas. Potassium permanganate. Tonic. Dose, 1 
or 2 grs., or 0.065 to 0.13 gm. 

Potas'sii sul'phas. Potassium sulphate. By sulphuric acid upon potas¬ 
sium carbonate. Used as a diluent for other powders. 

Pru'num. Prunes—the fruit. Laxative. One of the ingredients in con¬ 
fection of senna. 

Pru'nus virginia'na. Wild cherry—bark. Sedative. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., 
or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Pulsatil'la. Pulsatilla—the herb. Diaphoretic. Dose, 1 to 3 grs., or 
0.065 to 0.195 g m - 

Pul'vis acetanili'di compos'itus. Compound acetanilid powder. This 
powder resembles antikamnia and is composed of acetanilid, caffeine 
and sodium bicarbonate. Antineuralgic. Dose, 0.500 gm., or 7! gr. 

Pul' vis antimonia'lis. Antimonial powder. James’ powder. A mixture 
of antimony oxide, and calcium phosphate. Diaphoretic. Dose, 3 
to 5 grs., or 0.195 to 0.325 gm. 

Pul' vis aromat'icus. Aromatic powder. Cardamom, ginger, cinna¬ 
mon, and nutmeg. Carminative. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Pul'vis cre'tae compos'itus. Compound chalk powder. Prepared chalk, 
sugar, and gum Arabic. Antacid; astringent. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 
0.325 to 2 gm. 

Pul' vis efferves'cens compos'itus. Compound effervescing powder. 
Seidlitz powders. Rochelle powders. The small paper contains 35 grs. 
of tartaric acid. The large paper contains 40 grs. of sodium bicarbonate, 
and 120 grs. of Rochelle salt. Laxative. Dose, 2 powders in water. 

Pul'vis glycyrrhi'zae compos'itum. Compound licorice powder. Ger¬ 
man powder. Licorice, senna, sulphur, sugar, oil of fennel. Cathartic. 
Dose, 3 ss to 5 ij, or 2 to 8 gm. 

Pul'vis ipecacuan'hae et o'pii. Powder of ipecac and opium. Dover’s 
powder. Anodyne; diaphoretic. Dose, 5 to 10 grs., or 0.325 to 0.65 gm. 

Pul' vis jala'pae compos'itus. Compound powder of jalap. Pulvis 
purgans. Jalap and cream of tartar. Cathartic. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., 
or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Pul'vis morphi'nae compos'itus. Compound powder of morphine. 
Tully’s powder. Morphine, camphor, licorice, chalk. Anodyne. Dose, 
5 to 10 grs., or 0.325 to 0.65 gm. Each grain equals of a gr. of morphine. 

Pul'vis rhe'i compos'itus. Compound powder of rhubarb. Rhubarb, 
magnesia, and ginger. Cathartic. Dose, 10 grs. to oij, or 0.65 to 
8 gm. 

Pyre'thrum. Pyrethrum—root. Sialagogue. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 
0.325 to 2 gm. 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


198 

Pyrogal'lol. Pyrogallic acid. Made by heating gallic acid. Used ex¬ 
ternally. 

Pyroxyli'num. Pyroxylin. Soluble guncotton. By the action of nitric 
acid upon cotton. 


Q. 

Quas'sia. Quassia—the wood. Bitter tonic. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 
to 2 gm. 

Quer'cus al'ba. White oak—bark. Astringent. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 
0.325 to 2 gm. 

Quilla'ja. Quillaia—the bark. Expectorant. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 
0.325 to 2 gm. 

Quinidi'nae sul'phas. Sulphate of quinidine. A cinchona alkaloid. 

Tonic. Dose, 1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to °*^5 g m - 
Quini'na. Quinine. Alkaloid of Peruvian or cinchona bark. Tonic; 
antipyretic. Dose, 1 to 15 grs., or 0.065 to 1 gm. 

Quini'nse bisul'phas. Quinine bisulphate. 

Quini'nse hydrobro'mas. Quinine hydrobromate. 

Quini'nse hydrochlo'ras. Quinine hydrochlorate. 

Quini'nse salicyl'as. Quinine salicylate. Antirheumatic. Dose, 0.250 
gm., or 4 gr. 

Quini'nse sul'phas. Quinine sulphate. 

Quini'nse valeria'nas. Quinine valerianate. 

These are salts, made by combining the alkaloid quinine with the acids 
indicated in the titles—viz., sulphuric, hydrobromic, hydrochloric, and va¬ 
lerianic. All are antipyretic, the last mentioned being also a nerve tonic. 
The doses are the same as quinine, also, with the exception of the last, which 
is 1 to 3 grs., or 0.065 to °' I 95 g m - 


R. 

Resi'na. Resin, or rosin. Derived from the resinous exudation of the 
Southern pine. Used in making cerates and plasters. 

Resi'na copai'bae. Resin of copaiba. A product derived from balsam 
of copaiba. Urethral stimulant. Dose, 1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to °-^5 g m - 

Resi'na jala'pae. Resin of jalap. Obtained from jalap root. Cathar¬ 
tic. Dose, 2 grs., or 0.013 gm. 

Resi'na podophyl'li. Resin of podophyllum. From the root. Cathar¬ 
tic. Dose, | to 1 gr., or 0.00S to 0.065 g m - 

Resi'na scammo'nii. Resin of scammony. From the root. Cathartic. 
Dose, 3 grs., or 0.195 g m - 

Resorci'num. Resorcin. One of the products from coal-tar. Antisep¬ 
tic. Dose, 1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 t° 0-65 gm. 


EPITOME. 


199 

Rham'nus purshia'na. Cascara—the bark. Cathartic. Dose, 5 to 30 
grs., or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Rhe'um. Rhubarb—the root. Cathartic. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 
to 2 gm. 

Rhus gla'bra. Rhus glabra. Sumac—the fruit. Diuretic. Dose, 5 to 
30 grs., or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Rhus toxicoden'dron. Poison ivy—the leaves. Rubefacient. External 
use. 

Ro'sa centifo'lia. Pale rose. Used to flavor confections. 

Ro'sa gal'lica. Red rose. Used in confections. 

Ru'bus. Blackberry—bark of root. Astringent. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 
0.325 to 2 gm. 

Ru'bus idae'us. Raspberry fruit. Used in form of syrup as a flavor. 

Ru'mex. Yellow dock—root. Alterative. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 
to 2 gm. 

S. 

Sa'bal. Sabal. The dried fruit. Tonic. Expectorant. Sedative. Dose,. 

1 g m -> 1 5 g rs - 

Sabi'na. Savine—leaves. Stimulant. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 

2 gm. 

Sac'charum. Sugar. The refined product of the sugar-cane. 
Sac'charum lac'tis. Sugar of milk. Evaporating whey and allowing 
it to crystallize. Used as a diluent for other substances. 

Safro'lum. Safrol. A constituent of sassafras oil. Carminative. Dose, 
0.500 c.c., or 5 Trp 

Salici'num. Salicin. A glucoside obtained from the willow. Tonic. 
Dose, 1 gr., or 0.065 g m * 

Sa'lol. Salol. One of the coal-tar products. Antiseptic. Dose, 1 to 10 
grs., or 0.065 to 0 -65 gm. 

Sal'via. Sage—leaves. Astringent. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2 gm. 
Sambu'cus. Elder—the flowers. Diaphoretic. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 
0.325 to 2 gm. 

Sanguina'ria. Bloodroot. Emetic; expectorant. Dose, 5 grs. to 5 ss, 
or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

San'talum ru'brum. Red saunders—the wood. Used as a color. 
Santon'ica. Levant wormseed. Anthelmintic. Dose, 5 grs. to oss, or 
0.325 to 2 gm. 

Santoni'num. Santonin. An active principle from wormseed. Anthel¬ 
mintic. Dose, 1 to 3 grs., or 0.065 to °- I 95 g m * 

Sa'po. Soap—white Castile. A compound made from olive oil and soda. 
Used as a detergent. 

Sa'po mol'lis. Soft soap. Green soap. Made from various oils and 
potassa. Detergent. 


200 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


Sarsaparil'la. Sarsaparilla—root. Alterative. Dose, 5 grs. to 3 ss, or 
0.325 to 2 gm. 

Sas'safras. Sassafras—bark of root. Stimulant. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., 
or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Sas'safras medul'la. Sassafras-pith. Emollient. Used in eye-washes. 

Scammo'nium. Scammony, a resin. Cathartic. Dose, 5 grs., or 0.325 gm. 

Scil'la. Squill—the bulb. Expectorant. Dose, 1 to 3 grs., or 0.065 to 
0.195 g m - 

Scopa'rius. Broom-tops. Diuretic. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2 
gm. 

Scopo'la. Scopola. The dried underground stem. Narcotic, anodyne. 
Dose, 0.045 g m -> or t g r - 

Scopolami'nae hydrobro'midum. Scopolamine hydrobromide. An alka¬ 
loid obtained from scopola and related plants. Dose, 0.0005 gm., or 
TJJ grain. Mydriatic. 

Scutella'ria. Scullcap—the herb. Antispasmodic. Dose, 5 grs. to oss, 
or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Sen'ega. Senega—root. Expectorant. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 
2 gm. 

Sen'na. Senna—leaves. Cathartic. Dose, 5 grs. to 3 ss, or 0.325 to 2 
gm. 

Serpenta'ria. Virginia snakeroot. Tonic. Dose, 5 grs., to 3 iss, 01 
0.325 to 2 gm. 

Se'rum an'tidiphther'icum. Antidiphtheric serum. Diphtheria antitoxin. 
A liquid separated from the coagulated blood of the horse, immunized 
through the inoculation of diphtheric toxin. Dose, 3000 units. Immm 
nizing dose for well persons, 500 units. 

Se'vum. Suet from the sheep. Used in ointments. 

Sina'pis al'ba. White mustard-seed. 

Sina'pis ni'gra. Black mustard-seed. Emetic in form of powder mixed 
with water to form a cream, and given until vomiting occurs. Exter¬ 
nally in the form of plaster or poultice as an irritant or vesicant. 

So'da. Soda; caustic soda. Used as a caustic. 

So'dii ac'etas. Sodium acetate. Formed when sodium carbonate and 
acetic acid are brought together. Diuretic. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 
to 2 gm. 

So'dii ar'senas. Sodium arsenate. By bringing together sodium bi¬ 
carbonate and white arsenic. Alterative. Dose, to | of a gr., or 
0.003 to °-°°8 gm. 

So'dii ar'senas exsicca'tus. Exsiccated sodium arsenite (dried sodium 
arsenite). Alterative. Dose, 0.003 or To g r * 

So'dii ben'zoas. Sodium benzoate. Action of benzoic acid upon sodium 
carbonate. Alterative; diuretic. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 
2 gm. 


EPITOME. 


201 


So'dii bicar'bonas. Sodium bicarbonate. By injecting carbonic acid 
gas into a solution of sodium carbonate. Antacid. Dose, 5 grs., to 5 j> 
or 0.325 to 4 gm. 

So'dii bisul'phis. Sodium bisulphite. Sulphurous acid forms it when 
brought into contact with sodium bicarbonate. Antiseptic; prophylactic. 
Dose, 5 grs. to 5 ss, or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

So'dii bo'ras. Sodium borate. Borax. Found native in California and 
Southern Europe. Antacid; diuretic. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2 
gm. 

So'dii bromi'dum. Sodium bromide. By acting upon hydrobromic acid 
with sodium carbonate. Hypnotic. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2 gm # 

So'dii car'bonas. Sodium carbonate. From common salt by a compli¬ 
cated process involving the use of sulphuric acid and coal. Antacid. 
Dose, 5 grs., to oss, or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

So'dii car'bonas exsicca'tus. Dried sodium carbonate. 

So'dii car'bonas monohydra'tus. Monohydrated sodium carbonate. 
Antacid. Dose, .250 gm., or 4 gr. 

So'dii chlo'ras. Sodium chlorate. From sodium tartrate and potassium 
chlorate. Prophylactic. Dose, 1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to °-^5 gm. 

So'dii chlori'dum. Sodium chloride. Common salt. From sea-water. 

So'dii hypophos'phis. Sodium hypophosphite. Tonic in lung troubles. 
Dose, 5 to 15 grs., or 0.325 to 1 gm. 

So'dii hyposul'phis. Sodium hyposulphite. Alterative; antiseptic. Dose, 
5 to 15 grs., or 0.325 to 1 gm* 

So'dii iod'idum. Sodium iodide. By acting upon soda with iodine. 

Alterative. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

So'dii ni'tras. Sodium nitrate. Found native in South America. Altera¬ 
tive. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

So'dii ni'tris. Sodium nitrite. Used in preparing spirit of nitre. 

So'dii phos'phas. Sodium phosphate. From bone-ash and sodium car¬ 
bonate. Cathartic. Dose, 5 j or more, or 4 gm. or more. 

So'dii pyrophos'phas. Sodium pyrophosphate. Used for chemic purposes. 

So'dii salicyl'as. Sodium salicylate. By acting upon sodium carbonate 
with salicylic acid. Alterative in rheumatism. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 
0.325 to 2 gm. 

So'dii sul'phas. Sodium sulphate. Glauber’s salt. It is a by-product 
in the making of hydrochloric acid. Cathartic. Dose, 3 j to §j, or 4 
to 30 gm. 

So’dii sul'phis. Sodium sulphite. By the action of sodium carbonate 
and sulphurous acid. Prophylactic. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Spartei'nae sul'phas. Sparteine sulphate. An alkaloid from the broom. 
Diuretic. Dose, | to 1 gr., or 0.008 to 0.065 g m - 

*Wherever, as in these two cases, the statement as to the origin is 
omitted, it is on account of the complication of the process. 




202 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


Spige'lia. Pinkroot—root. Vermifuge. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Spir'itus aethe'ris. Spirit of ether. A mixture of ether and alcohol. 
Stimulant. Dose, 10 to 20 rrp or 0.65 to 1.3 c.c. 

Spir'itus aethe'ris compos'itus. Hoffman’s anodyne, or compound 
spirit of ether. Anodyne. Dose, 10 to 60 rt|, or 0.65 to 4 c.c. 

Spir'itus aethe'ris nitro'si. Sweet spirit of nitre, or spirit of nitrous 
ether. Diuretic; diaphoretic. Dose, 15 rr^ to 3 ij» or 1 to 8 c.c. 

Spir'itus ammo'niae. Spirit of ammonia. A 10 per cent, alcoholic 
solution of ammonia gas. Stimulant. Dose, 10 to 30 rr^, or 0..65 to 2 c.c. 

Spir'itus ammo'niae aromat'icus. Aromatic spirit of ammonia. Fla¬ 
vored with oil of lemon, lavender, and nutmeg. Stimulant. Dose, J 
to 5ij> or 2 to 8 c.c. 

Spir'itus amyg'dalae ama'rae. Spirit of bitter almond. Used as a flavor. 

Spir'itus ani'si. Spirit of anise. Carminative. Dose, 10 rr\ to f 5 j, or 
0.65 to 4 c.c. 

Spir'itus auran'tii. Spirit of orange. Used as a flavor. 

Spir'itus auran'tii compos'itus. Compound spirit of orange. Oil of 
orange, lemon, anise, and coriander with alcohol. Used as a flavor. 

Spir'itus camphorae. Spirit of camphor. Stimulant. Dose, 5 to 30 rrp 
or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Spir'itus chlorofor'mi. Spirit of chloroform. Stimulant. Dose, 5 to 
60 rrp or 0.325 to 4 c.c. 

Spir'itus cinnamo'mi. Spirit of cinnamon. Carminative. Dose, 15 
to f oij, or 1 to 8 c.c. 

Spir'itus frumen'ti. Whisky. Stimulant. Dose, f oj to f oij, or 4 to 
60 c.c. 

Spir'itus gaulthe'riae. Spirit of wintergreen. Carminative; antiseptic. 
Dose, f 5 ss to f 5 ij, or 2 to 8 c.c. 

Spir'itus glonoi'ni. Spirit of glonoin. Spirit of nitroglycerin (1 per cent.). 
Stimulant. Dose, 1 rr^, or 0.065 c - c - 

Spir'itus junip'eri. Spirit of juniper. Diuretic. Dose, 15 to 60 rrp or 
1 to 4 c.c. 

Spir'itus junip'eri compos'itus. Compound spirit of juniper. Oil 
juniper, oil caraway, oil fennel seed. Diuretic. Dose, 15 to 60 rrp or 
1 to 4 c.c. 

Spir'itus lavan'dulae. Spirit of lavender. Stimulant. Externally as 
lotion. 

Spir'itus limon'is. Spirit of lemon. Used as a flavor. 

Spir'itus men'thae piper'itae. Spirit of peppermint. Carminative. Dose, 
OSS to oj, or 2 to 4 c.c. 

Spir'itus men'thae vir'idis. Spirit of spearmint. Carminative. Dose, 
Oss to f oj, or 2 to 4 c.c. 

Spir'itus myr'cise. Bay rum. External stimulant. 

Spir'itus myris'ticae. Spirit of nutmeg. Used as a flavor. 


EPITOME. 


203 


Spir'itus phos'phori. Spirit of phosphorus. For making the elixir. 

Spir'itus vi'ni gal'lici. Spirit of French wine or brandy. Stimulant. 

Staphisa'gria. Stavesacre; larkspur seed. Used externally to destroy 
lice, etc. 

Stillin'gia. Queensroot. Alterative. Dose, 5 grs. to oss, or 0.325 to 
2 gm. 

Stramo'nii fo'lia. Stramonium leaves. Narcotic. Dose, 1 to 3 grs., 
or 0.065 to 0.195 g m - 

Stramo'nii se'men. Stramonium seed. Narcotic. Dose, 1 to 3 grs., 
or 0.065 to 0.195 g m - 

Stron'tii bromi'dum. Strontium bromid. The salt formed by the action 
when hydrobromic acid and strontium carbonate are brought together. 
Sedative. Dose, 5 to 10 grs., or 0.325 to 0.65 gm. 

Stron'tii iod'idum. Strontium iodid. The strontium carbonate with 
hydriodic acid gives the iodid. Alterative. Dose, 5 to 10 grs., or 0.325 
to 0.650 gm. 

Stron'tii lac'tas. Strontium lactate. Lactic acid with strontium car¬ 
bonate yields the lactate. Alterative. Dose, 5 to 10 grs., or 0.325 to 
0.65 gm. 

Strophan'thus. Strophanthus seed. Heart stimulant. Dose, 1 to 3 
grs., or 0.065 to °* I 95 g m - 

Strychni'na. Strychnine. Insoluble, and therefore little used. The 
alkaloid from nux vomica seeds. 

Strychni'nae sul'phas. Strychnine sulphate Sulphuric acid and strych¬ 
nine unite and yield strychnine sulphate. Tonic. Dose, -fa to ^5 °f a 
gr., or 0.001 to 0.003 g m >* 

Sty'rax. Storax. A resinous substance from a tropical tree. Stimulant. 
Used in the form of tincture. 

Sulphu'ris iod'idum. Sulphur iodid. By melting together sulphur 
and iodin. Alterative. Dose, 1 to 5 grs., or 0.065 t° 0.325 gm. 

Sul'phur lo'tum. Washed sulphur. 

Sul'phur praecipita'tum. Precipitated sulphur. 

Sul'phur sublima'tum. Sublimed sulphur. These three are different 
forms of the same thing. Alterative. Dose, oss to oiv, or 2 to 15 gm. 

Sum'bul. Sumbul or musk-root. Stimulant. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 
0.325 to 2 gm. 

Supposito'ria. Suppositories. Any substance mixed with melted cocoa 
butter, run into suitably-shaped molds and cooled. They are formed 
for insertion into the rectum and the male and female urethra. 

Supposito'ria glyceri'ni. Glycerin suppositories. 


*In stating the doses of poisons it is customary to give the largest safe 
dose. When the case can be watched by the physician, much larger doses 
may be and are given. But in stating a dose, caution must be observed. 



204 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


Syru'pus. Syrup. Sugar dissolved in water. 

Syru'pus aca'ciae. Syrup of gum arabic. By mixing mucilage and 
syrup together. Demulcent. Used as a vehicle. 

Syru'pus ac'idi ci'trici. Syrup of citric acid. A mixture of citric acid> 
essence of lemon, and syrup, designed to take the place of syrup of lemon 
as a flavor. 

Syru'pus ac'idi hydriod'ici. Syrup of hydriodic acid.* Alterative. 
Dose, 30 to 60 rr|_, or 2 to 4 c.c. 

Syru'pus al'lii. Syrup of garlic. Expectorant. Dose, f oss to f oij, or 
2 to 4 c.c. 

Syru'pus al'theae. Syrup of marshmallow. Sugar is dissolved in an 
infusion of the root. Used as a vehicle for other things. 

Syru'pus amyg'dalae. Syrup of almond. A mixture of bruised almonds, 
water and sugar. Used as a vehicle. 

Syru'pus auran'tii. Syrup of orange. A mixture of the tincture of 
orange peel and syrup. Used as a vehicle. 

Syru'pus auran'tii flo'rum. Syrup of orange flower. Distilled orange- 
flower water and sugar. 

Syru'pus cal'cii lactophospha'tis. Syrup of lactophosphate of lime. 
Tonic. Dose, f oss to f oij, or 2 to 4 c.c. 

Syru'pus cal'cis. Syrup of lime. Antacid. Dose, f oss to f 3 j, or 2 to 
4 c.c. 

Syru'pus fer'ri iod'idi. Syrup of ferrous iodid. Tonic; alterative. 
Dose, 10Tip to oj, or 0.650 to 4 c.c. 

Syru'pus fer'ri quini'nse et strychni'nae pliospha'tum. Syrup of 
phosphate of iron, quinine, and strychnine. Tonic. Dose, f oss to f oj, 
or 2 to 4 c.c. f oj = about -fa of a gr. of strychnia. 

Syru'pus hypophosphi'tum. Syrup of hypophosphites. Tonic. Dose, 
f 5ss to f oij, or 2 to 8 c.c. 

Syru'pus ipecacuan'hae. Syrup of ipecac. Expectorant. Dose, 5 to 
30 rrp, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Syru'pus krame'riae. Syrup of rhatany. The tincture is added to syrup. 
Astringent. Dose, f oss to f oij, or 2 to 4 c.c. 

Syru'pus lactuca'rii. Syrup of lactucarium. From the tincture with 
syrup. Sedative. Dose, f oss to f oij, or 2 to 4 c.c. 

Syru'pus pi'cis liq'uidae. Syrup of tar. Stimulant. Dose, f oss to 
f 3ij, or 2 to 4 c.c. 

Syru'pus pru'ni virginia'nae. Syrup of wild cherry bark. Made by 
adding the infusion to syrup and glycerin. Sedative. Dose, 3 ss to 3 ij, 
or 2 to 8 c.c. 

Syru'pus rhe'i. Syrup of rhubarb. The fluid extract is added to simple 
syrup. Cathartic. Dose, oj to oiv, or 4 to 15 c.c. 

*When the ingredients are not further indicated, the title itself serves that 

purpose. As here, a mixture of the substance named, with syrup. 



EPITOME. 


205 


Syru'pus rhe'i aromat'icus. Aromatic syrup of rhubarb. The tincture 
is added to simple syrup. Cathartic. Dose, 5 ss to 5 iv, or 2 to 15 c.c. 

Syru'pus ro'sae. Syrup of rose. Flavor. 

Syru'pus ru'bi. Syrup of blackberry. The fluid extract added to syrup. 
Astringent. Dose, 3 j to 5 iv, or 4 to 15 c.c. 

Syru'pus ru'bi i'daei. Syrup of raspberry. Used as a flavor. 

Syru'pus sarsaparil'lae compos'itus. Compound syrup of sarsaparilla. 
Fluid extract is added to syrup. Alterative. Dose, oj to oiv, or 4 to 15 
c.c. 

Syru'pus scil'lae. Syrup of squill. The vinegar of squill with sugar. 
Expectorant. Dose, 3 ss to 5 j, or 2 to 4 c.c. 

Syru'pus scil'lae compos'itus. Compound syrup of squill. Fluid ex¬ 
tract of squill, senega, and tartar emetic with syrup. Expectorant. Dose, 
5 ss to oj, or 2 to 4 c.c. One f,*=i gr. of tartar emetic. 

Syru'pus sen'egae. Syrup of senega. The fluid extract is added to syrup. 

Expectorant. Dose, 3 ss to oj, or 2 to 4 c.c. 

Syru'pus sen'nae. Syrup of senna. The infusion with sugar and aro¬ 
matics. Cathartic. Dose, 3 j to oiv, or 2 to 15 c.c. 

Syru'pus toluta'nus. Syrup of tolu. The tincture with sugar and water. 
Vehicle for other things. 

Syru'pus zingib'eris. Syrup of ginger. The tincture with sugar and 
water. Carminative. Dose, foi to f 3 ij or 4 to 8 c.c. 


T. 


Tab'acum. Tobacco leaves. Used chiefly as a poultice. 

Tamarin'dus. Tamarind—the pulp. Laxative. Dose, 3 j to 3 iv, or 
4 to 15 gm. 

Tanace'tum. Tansy—the leaves. Stimulant. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 
0.325 to 2 gm. 

Tarax'acum. Dandelion—the root. Laxative. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 
0.325 to 2 gm. 

Terebe'num. Terebene. A fluid made from turpentine. Expectorant. 
Dose, 1 to 10 rq, or 0.065 to 0.65 c.c. 

Terebin'thina. Turpentine. An exudation from the pine tree. Used 
for the preparation of spirit of turpentine. 

Terebin'thina canaden'sis. Canada turpentine. Balsam of fir. A nat¬ 
ural exudation from a species of fir tree. 

Ter'pini hy'dras. Terpene hydrate. A crystalline substance made from 
turpentine. Expectorant. Dose, 1 to 10 grs., or 0.065 to °- 6 5 g m - 

Thy'mol. Thymol. Obtained from the herb, thyme. Used in antiseptic 
washes. 

Tinctu'ra aconi'ti. Tincture of aconite. Sedative. Dose, 5 to 20 rq, 
or 0.325 to 1.30 c.c. 


2o6 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


Tinctu'ra al'oes. Tincture of aloes. Cathartic. Dose, 5j to 3iv, or 
2 to 15 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra al'oes et myrrh'ae. Tincture of aloes and myrrh. Stimulant; 
cathartic. Dose, oss to oij, or 2 to 8 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra ar'nicae flo'rum. Tincture of arnica flowers. Used exter¬ 
nally for bruises, etc. 

Tinctu'ra ar'nicae ra'dicis. Tincture of arnica root. Stimulant. Dose, 
10 to 30 rru or 0.65 to 2 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra asafoe'tidae. Tincture of asafetida. Nervine. Dose, f oj 
to f oij, or 4 to 8 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra auran'tii arma'ri. Tincture of bitter orange. Used as a 
flavor. 

Tinctu'ra auran'tii dul'cis. Tincture of sweet orange-peel. Used for 
flavoring purposes. 

Tinctu'ra belladon'nae folio'rum. Tincture of belladonna leaves. 

Narcotic; antispasmodic. Dose, 5 to 30 rr^, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra benzoin'i. Tincture of benzoin. Stimulant. Dose, 10 to 30 
rrL, or 0.65 to 2 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra benzoin'i compos'ita. Compound tincture of benzoin. Stim¬ 
ulant. Dose, 15 to 60 tt^, or 2 to 4 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra bryo'niae. Tincture of bryony. Cathartic. Dose, 5 j to oij, 
or 4 to 8 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra calen'dulae. Tincture of calendula. Stimulant. Dose, 5 to 
30 ttl, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Tinctura calum'bae. Tincture of calumba. Tonic. Dose, 10 ttl to 
5j, or 0.65 to 4 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra can'nabis in'dicae. Tincture of cannabis. Narcotic. Dose, 
5 to 20 rrL, or °-3 2 5 to 2 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra canthar'idis. Tincture of cantharides. Vesicant. Used ex¬ 
ternally. Uterine stimulant. Dose, 1 to 10 ttl, or 0.065 to 0.65 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra cap'sici. Tincture of capsicum. Stimulant. Dose, 5 to 30 ttl, 
or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra cardamo'mi. Tincture of cardamom. Carminative. Dose, 
5ss to 3j, or 2 to 4 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra cardamo'mi compos'ita. Compound tincture of cardamom. 
Carminative. Dose, f oj to f oij, or 4 to 8 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra cat'echu compos'ita. Compound tincture of catechu. Astrin¬ 
gent. Dose, oss, to oij, or 2 to 8 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra chira'tae. Tincture of chiretta. Tonic. Dose, 30 ttl to oij, 
or 2 to 8 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra cimicif'ugae. Tincture of cimicifuga. Alterative. Dose, 
60 ttl to f 3ij, or 4 to 8 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra cincho'nae. Tincture of cinchona. Tonic. Dose, oss to 
oij, or 2 to 8 c.c. 


EPITOME. 207 

Tinctu'ra cincho'nse compos'itae. Compound tincture of cinchona. 
Bitter tonic. Dose, o j to oij, or 4 to 8 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra cinnamo'mi. Tincture of cinnamon. Stimulant. Dose, oss 
to 5j, or 2 to 4 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra col'chici sem'inis. Tincture of colchicum seed. Alterative. 
Dose, 5 to 30 rq, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra cro'ci. Tincture of saffron. Emmenagogue. Dose, oss to 
O ij, or 2 to 8 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra cube'bae. Tincture of cubeb. Stimulant; expectorant. Dose, 
5ss to oij, or 2 to 8 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra digita'lis. Tincture of digitalis. Heart stimulant. Dose, 5 
to 30 rip, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra herba'rum recen'tium. Tincture of fresh herbs. There 
are none official. The typical formula is ten parts of drug to 100 parts 
of strong alcohol. They are used to supersede the homeopathic mother 
tinctures. 

Tinctu'ra fer'ri chlo'ridi. Tincture of chlorid of iron. Tincture of 
sesqui-chlorid of iron. Tonic. Dose, 5 to 30 rrp, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra gal'lae. Tincture of nutgall. Astringent. Dose, oss to oj, 
or 2 to 4 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra gelsem'ii. Tincture of gelsemium. Antispasmodic. Dose, 
5 to 15 np, or 0.325 to 1 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra gentia'nae compos'ita. Compound tincture of gentian. Tonic. 
Dose, oss to oij, or 2 to 8 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra guaia'ci. Tincture of guaiac. Stimulant. Dose, 5 ss to oj, 
or 2 to 4 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra guaia'ci ammonia'ta. Ammoniated tincture of guaiacum. 
Stimulant. Dose, 3 ss to oj, or 2 to 4 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra hu'muli. Tincture of hops. Sedative. Dose, oj to 5 iv, 
or 4 to 15 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra hydras'tis. Tincture of golden seal. Tonic; cathartic. Dose, 
30 rrp to oj, or 2 to 4 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra hyoscy'ami. Tincture of hyoscyamus. Tincture of henbane. 
Hypnotic. Dose, 5 to 30 rrp, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra io'di. Tincture of iodin. Used externally. 

Tinctu'ra ipecacuan'hae et o'pii. Tincture of ipecac and opium. Ano¬ 
dyne; diaphoretic. Dose, 1 to 10 np, or 0.065 to 0.65 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra ki'no. Tincture of kino. Astringent. Dose, oss to 5 ij, or 
2 to 8 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra krame'riae. Tincture of rhatany. Astringent. Dose, oss to 
Oij, or 2 to 8 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra lactuca'rii. Tincture of lactucarium. Sedative. Dose, 10 
to 60 np, or 0.65 to 4 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra lavan'dulae compos'ita. Compound tincture of lavender. 
Stimulant. Dose, f oss to f oij, or 2 to 8 c.c. 


208 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


Tinctu'ra lobe'Iiae. Tincture of lobelia. Emetic. Dose, io to 60 nq, 
or 0.65 to 4 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra mat'ico. Tincture of matico. Urethral stimulant. Dose, 
3ss to 3ij> or 2 to 8 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra mos'chi. Tincture of musk. Antispasmodic. Dose, 3 ss to 
5ij, or 2 to 8 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra myrr'hae. Tincture of myrrh. Stimulant. Dose, 10 to 60 nq, 
or 0.65 to 4 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra nu'cis vom'icae. Tincture of nux vomica. Tonic. Dose, 
5 to 20 nq, or 0.325 to 1.3 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra o'pii. Tincture of opium. Narcotic. Dose, 10 nq, or 0.65 
c.c., equaling 1 gr., or 0.065 g m * °pi um * 

Tinctu'ra o'pii camphora'ta. Paregoric; camphorated tincture of opium. 
Sedative. Dose, iorrq to 5 j, or 0.65 to 4 c.c; oj, or 4 c.c. = | gr. 
or 0.016 gm. of opium. 

Tinctu'ra o'pii deodora'ti. Deodorized tincture of opium. Narcotic. 
Dose, 10 nq, or 0.65 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra physostigma'tis. Tincture of physostigma. Sedative. Dose, 
5 to 10 nq, or 0.325 to 0.65 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra pyre'thri. Tincture pellitory. Sialagogue. Used chiefly ex¬ 
ternally. 

Tinctu'ra quas'siae. Tincture of quassia. Tonic. Dose, 5 ss to oij> 
or 2 to 8 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra quilla'jse. Tincture of quillaja or soap bark. Stimulant. 
Dose, 10 to 30 nq, or 0.65 to 2 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra rhe'i. Tincture of rhubarb. Cathartic. Dose, 3 j to oiv, 
or 4 to 15 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra rhe'i aroma'tica. Aromatic tincture of rhubarb. Cathartic. 
Dose, 5 j to 3 iv, or 4 to 15 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra rhe'i dul'cis. Sweet tincture of rhubarb. Cathartic. Dose, 
oj to oiv, or 4 to 15 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra sanguina'riae. Tincture of blood-root. Expectorant. Dose, 
10 to 30 nq, or 0.65 to 2 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra scil'lae. Tincture of squill. Emetic; expectorant. Dose, 
5 to 30 nq, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra serpenta'rise. Tincture of Virginia snakeroot. Alterative. 
Dose, 5 ss to oij, or 2 to 8 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra stramo'nii sem'inis. Tincture of stramonium seed. Nar¬ 
cotic. Dose, 5 to 10 rrq, or 0.325 to 0.65 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra strophan'thi. Tincture of strophanthus. Stimulant. Dose, 
1 to 10 nq, or 0.065 t° 0-65 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra sumbul. Tincture of sumbul. Antispasmodic. Dose, 10 to 
60 nq, or 0.65 to 4 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra toluta'na. Tincture of tolu. Used chiefly as an aromatic. 


EPITOME. 209 

TinctuTa valeria'nae. Tincture of valerian. Stimulant. Dose, f 5 ss 
to f 5ij, or 2 to 8 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra valeria'nae ammonia'ta. Ammoniated tincture of valerian. 
Stimulant. Dose, oss to oij, or 2 to 8 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra vanil'lae. Tincture of vanilla. Used as a flavor for other med¬ 
icines. 

Tinctu'ra vera'trum vi'ridis. Tincture of veratrum viride. Sedative. 
Dose, 1 to 5 ttl, or 0.065 to 0.325 c.c. 

Tinctu'ra zingib'eris. Tincture of ginger. Stimulant. Dose, 10 to 60 
rr^, or 0.65 to 4 c.c. 

Tragacan'tha. Tragacanth. A gum used for preparing demulcent drinks. 

Trit'icum. Couch-grass. Diuretic. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Trituratio'nes. Triturations. Powders, prepared by rubbing in a mortar 
nine parts of sugar of milk with one part of medicinal substance. 

Tritura'tio elateri'ni. Trituration of elaterin. Cathartic. Dose, ^ gr., 
or 0.033 g m - 

Trochis'ci ac'idi tan'nici. Tannic acid troches. Astringent in throat 
troubles. 

Trochis'ci ammo'nii chlo'ridi. Chlorid of ammonium troches. Stim¬ 
ulant in throat and lung troubles. 

Trochis'ci cat'echu. Catechu troches. Astringent. 

Trochis'ci cre'tae. Chalk troches. Antacid. 

Trochis'ci cube'bae. Cubeb troches. Expectorant. 

Trochis'ci fer'ri. Iron troches. Tonic. 

Trochis'ci glycyrrhi'zae et o'pii. Licorice and opium troches. Seda¬ 
tive; expectorant. Each contains of a grain of opium. 

Trochis'ci ipecacuan'hae. Ipecac troches. Expectorant. 

Trochis'ci krame'rise. Krameria troches. Astringent. 

Trochis'ci men'thae piperi'tse. Peppermint troches. Carminative. 

Trochis'ci morphi'nae et ipecacuan'hae. Morphin and ipecac troches. 
Anodyne; expectorant. Each contains of a grain of morphin. 

Trochis'ci potas'sii chlora'tis. Potassium chlorate troches. Antiseptic in 
throat troubles. 

Trochis'ci santoni'ni. Santonin troches. Vermifuge. 

Trochis'ci so'dii bicarbona'tis. Sodium bicarbonate troches. Antacid. 

Trochis'ci zingib'eris. Ginger troches. Carminative. 

U. 

Ul'mus. Elm-bark. Used for demulcent drink. 

Unguen'tum. Ointment. Lard and yellow wax. 

Unguen'tum ac'idi carbol'ici. Carbolic acid ointment. Three per cent, 
of carbolic acid with ointment. 


14 


210 


MATERIA MEDICA FOR NURSES. 


Unguen'tum ac'idi tan'nici. Tannic acid ointment. Twenty per cent, 
of tannic acid. 

Unguen'tum a'quae ro'sae. Rose-water ointment, or cold cream. White 
wax, spermaceti, oil of almonds, rose-water, and borax. 

Unguen'tum belladon'nse. Belladonna ointment. Ten per cent, of 
extract of belladonna. 

Unguen'tum chrysaro'bini. Chrysarobin ointment. Six per cent, of 
chrysarobin. 

Unguen'tum diach'ylon. Diachylon ointment. Lead plaster, olive 
oil, and oil of lavender. 

Unguen'tum gal'lae. Nutgall ointment. Twenty per cent, of powdered 
nutgalls. 

Unguen'tum hydrar'gyri. Mercurial or blue ointment. Mercury, 
mercury oleate, lard, and suet. Fifty per cent, of mercury. 

Unguen'tum hydrar'gyri ammonia'ti. Ammoniated mercury oint¬ 
ment. Ten per cent, of ammoniated mercury. 

Unguen'tum hydrar'gyri nitra'tis. Nitrate of mercury ointment. Mer¬ 
cury, nitric acid, lard oil. 

Unguen'tum hydrar'gyri ox'idi fla'vi. Yellow oxid of mercury oint¬ 
ment. Ten per cent, of yellow oxid of mercury. 

Unguen'tum hydrar'gyri ox'idi ru'bri. Red oxid of mercury ointment. 
Ten per cent, of red oxide of mercury. 

Unguen'tum io'di. Iodin ointment. Four per cent, of iodin, one per cent, 
of potassium iodid. 

Unguen'tum iodofor'mi. Iodoform ointment. Ten per cent, iodoform. 

Unguen'tum pi'cis liq'uidae. Tar ointment. Fifty per cent, of tar. 

Unguen'tum plum'bi car'bonatis. Carbonate of lead ointment. Ten 

per cent, of lead carbonate. 

Unguen'tum plum'bi iod'idi. Lead iodid ointment. Ten per cent, 
of lead iodid. 

Unguen'tum potas'sii iod'idi. Potassium iodid ointment. Ten per 

cent, of potassium iodid. 

Unguen'tum stramo'nii. Stramonium ointment. Ten per cent, of the 
extract of stramonium. 

Unguen'tum sulphu'ris. Sulphur ointment. Fifteen per cent, of sulphur. 

Unguen'tum veratri'nae. Veratrine ointment. Four per cent, of veratrine. 

Unguen'tum zin'ci ox'idi. Zinc oxid ointment. Twenty per cent, of 
zinc oxid. 

U'va ur'si. Bearberry leaves. Diuretic. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 
2 gm. 

V. 

Valeria'na. Valerian root. Nerve stimulant. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 
0.325 to 2 gm. 


EPITOME. 


2 11 


Vanil'la. Vanilla bean. Flavor. 

Veratri'na. Veratrine. An alkaloid from sabadilla seed. Heart depres¬ 
sant. Dose, 3^ to y 1 ^- of a grain, or 0.002 to 0.006 gm. 

Vera'trum vi'ride. American hellebore root. Depressant. Dose, 1 to 

3 g rs -> or 0-065 to o-i 95 g m - 

Vibur'num op'ulus. Cramp-bark. Stimulant. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 
0.325 to 2 gm. 

Vibur'num prunifo'lium. Black haw. Tonic; diuretic. Dose, 5 to 30 
grs., or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Vi'num al'bum. Sherry-wine. The fermented juice of the grape-pulp. 

Vi'num antimo'nii. Wine of antimony. Expectorant. Dose, 10 to 30 
rt|, or 0.65 to 2 c.c. 

Vi'num colchi'ci ra'dicis. Wine of colchicum root. Alterative in rheu¬ 
matism. Dose, 5 to 15 rq, or 0.325 to 1 c.c. 

Vi'num colchi'ci sem'inis. Wine of colchicum seed. Alterative. Dose, 
5 to 30 ttl, or 0.325 to 2 c.c. 

Vi'num ergo'tae. Wine of ergot. Uterine stimulant. Dose, oj to oiij, 
or 4 to 12 c.c. 

Vi'num fer'ri ama'rum. Bitter wine of iron. Tonic. Dose, oj to oij, 
or 4 to 8 c.c. 

Vi'num fer'ri citra'tis. Wine of iron. Hematic. Dose, oj to oij, or 

4 to 8 c.c. 

Vi'num ipecacuan'hae. Wine of ipecac. Emetic. Dose, oss to oij> 
or 2 to 8 c.c. 

Vi'num o'pii. Wine of opium. Narcotic. Dose, 10 nq, or 0.65 c.c., 
equaling 1 gr., or 0.065 gm. 

Vi'num ru'brum. Red wine. Fermented juice of grape-pulp and skin. 
Vitel'lus. Yolk of egg. Used to form emulsions with oils. 

X. 

Xanthox'ylum. Prickly ash bark. Stimulant. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 
0.325 to 2 gm. 


Z. 

Ze'a. Corn-silk. Diuretic. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2 gm. 

Zin'ci ac'etas. Zinc acetate. Formed by acting upon zinc with acetic 
acid. Astringent. Dose, £ to 2 grs., or 0.033 to 0.13 gm. 

Zin'ci bromi'dum. Zinc bromid. By combining zinc oxid with hydro- 
bromic acid. Sedative. Dose, 1 to 2 grs., or 0.065 to 0.13 gm. 

Zin'ci car'bonas praecipita'tus. Precipitated zinc carbonate. By re¬ 
action between zinc sulphate and sodium carbonate. Used externally 
as ointment. 


212 


MATERIA ME DIG A EOR NURSES. 


Z in'ci chlo'ridum. Zinc chlorid. By acting upon zinc with hydrochloric 
acid. Used as an escharotic. 

Zin'ci iod'idum. Zinc iodid. Alterative. Dose, \ to 2 grs., or 0.033 to 
0.13 gm. 

Zin'ci ox'idum. Zinc oxid. By burning zinc. External; astringent. 

Zin'ci phos'phidum. Zinc phosphid. Nerve-tonic. Dose, ^ to ^ grain, 
or 0.004 to 0.033 g m - 

Zin'ci sul'phas. Zinc sulphate. Astringent. Dose, 1 to 3 grs., or 0.065 
to 0.195 g m - Emetic. Dose, 10 to 60 grs., or 0.65 to 4 gm. 

Zin'ci valeria'nas. Zinc valerianate. Nerve-tonic. Dose, J to 2 grs., 
or 0.033 to 0.13 gm. 

Zin'cum. Zinc. For preparing zinc salts. 

Zin'giber. Ginger root. Stimulant. Dose, 5 to 30 grs., or 0.325 to 2 gm. 


« 


APPENDIX. 


SOLUTIONS. 

In the chapter on dosage exact and approximate rules are 
given for finding the number of grains of substance needed 
to make a solution of any given percentage strength, and, on the 
other hand, to find the percentage strength of a solution when 
the number of grains in each fluidounce is knowm. 

Those rules are considered useful for enabling the nurse to 
find out how much drug there may be in a minim, a fluidram, 
or a lluidounce of any official solution. 

But there are many solutions in use which are not official and 
which vary in strength with the changes in the notions of the sur¬ 
geon ; and while it is better that the apothecary prepare all solutions, 
there are times when the nurse must perform that duty herself. 

For such occasions a reliable table seems to be needed, show¬ 
ing at a glance the quantities required in making solutions, and 
to meet that need the following table has been designed. 

The word solution implies something dissolved, and they should 
therefore be transparent, showing no sediment. Sometimes, owing 
to the deep color of the solution, the transparency is only evident 
when the solution is looked at in thin layers, as through the neck 
of the bottle. Such is the case with potassium permanganate. 

Whenever it is possible, solutions should be made in distilled 
water. When that is not possible, the water at hand should 
first be boiled and then strained through absorbent cotton. 
The bottles, pitchers, or other vessels used should be thoroughly 
washed and rinsed in scalding hot water, and the solutions should 
be kept covered until needed. They should be freshly made 
because many of them change and lose some of the activity. 

213 



214 


APPENDIX. 


Solutions which have become cloudy or changed in color should 
be rejected. 

A solution is said to be saturated when no more of the sub¬ 
stance in question can be dissolved. There is a great variation 
in solubilities. A 4 per cent, solution of boric acid is saturated. 
A 5 per cent, solution of carbolic acid is saturated, and so on. No 
more than the quantities represented by those figures can be dis¬ 
solved in cold water. We can dissolve more in hot water, but as 
soon as the solution becomes cold, the excess used will be thrown 
out of solution. Sometimes, to hasten the process, hot water is 
used, unless the substance to be dissolved is volatile, in which 
case cold water should always be used. 

The following table of approximate quantities can be relied 
upon for a reference table in making solutions for external use. 
Solutions for internal use should be made by the apothecary. 


Woo - 

of I% = 

= 1 

to 

100,000 

= gr. 

Tint 

in 



of I% = 

= 1 

to 

10,000 

= g r - 

uV 

in 

f 5 j 

1 

10 

of I% = 

= 1 

to 

1,000 

= gr. 

i 

in 

f 5 j 

i 

of I% = 

= 1 

to 

S' 00 

= g r - 

1 

in 

fSj 

1 

T 

of I% = 

= 1 

to 

400 

= g r - 


in 

f 5 i 

1 

J 

of I% = 

= 1 

to 

200 

= gr- 

2 2 

in 

f|j 


I%= 

= 1 

to 

100 

= g r - 

5 

in 

f§j 


2% = 

= 1 

to 

5 ° 

= gr. 

10 

in 

m 


3 % = 

= 1 

to 

33 

= gr. 

15 

in 

f 5 j 


4 % = 

= 1 

to 

25 

= gr. 

20 

in 

f 5 j 


5 % = 

= 1 

to 

20 

~g r * 

25 

in 



10% = 

= 1 

to 

10 

= gr. 

50 

in 

io] 


20% = 

= 1 

to 

5 

= gr. 

100 

in 



5 °% = 

= 1 

to 

2 

= gr. 

240 

in 

ioi 


In using the table to make, for instance, a T V of 1 per cent, solu¬ 
tion, the table shows that half a grain of substance is dissolved 
in one fluidounce of water; to make a pint (16 oz.) use sixteen 
times that quantity, or 8 grains; for 4 oz., four times that 
quantity, or 2 grains; for one quart (32 oz.), thirty-two times 
that quantity, or 16 grains, etc. 

For making solutions of bichloride of mercury, saline solution 
and some others, it is safer to use the tablets made for the purpose, 
following the directions furnished with them. 



INDEX. 


Acacia, 122 
Aceta, 31 

Acetanilid, actions, uses of, 77 
preparations of, 77 
compound powder of, 77 
Acetic acid, 49 
Acetphenetidin, 78 
Acetum, 56 

Acid, hydrochloric, preparations, ac¬ 
tions, uses of, 112 
defined, 40 
list of, 40 

Acidium aceticum glaciale, 128 
boricum, 70 
hydrochloricum, 112 
nitricum, 127 
salicylicum, 78 
sulphuricum, 127 
tannicum, 63 

Aconite, actions, uses of, 93 
acute poisoning by, 93 
preparations of, 93 
Aconitum, 93 
Adeps, 124 

Adeps lanae hydrosus, 123 
i'Ether, 60 

Air, composition of, 33 
Alcohol, 50 

preparations, actions, uses, 72 
Alcoholic preparations, 25 
Alkali metals, salt of, 41 
Alkaline earths, 43 
Alkaloids, defined, 52 
Aloes, actions, uses of, 103 
preparations of, 102 
Aloin, 103 

Alteratives, list of, 53 
definition of, 53 

Alum, preparations, actions, uses, 89 
Aluminum salts, list of official, 44 


Ammonia, actions, 64 
origin of, 42 
preparations, 64 
source, 64 
uses, 65 

Ammonii carbonas, 133 
chloridum, 132 

actions, uses of, 132 
Ammonium bromide, 81 

carbonate, actions, uses of, 133 
salts, list of official, 43 
Amyl nitrite, actions, uses of, 96 
Amyl is nitris, 96 
Anesthetics, list of, 58 
defined, 5 * 

Animal drugs, 17 

Anise, preparations, action, uses of, 
no 

Anisum, no 
Anodyne, Hoffman’s, 85 
Ant-acids, defined, 63 
Anthelmintics, list of, 65 
defined, 65 
Antidotes, 157 

Antimonii et potassii tartras, 94 
Antimonium, 93 
Antimony, salts of, 94 

salts, list of official, 46 
Antispasmodics, defined, 80 
list of, 80 

Antiperiodics, defined, 74 
list of, 74 

Antipyretics, defined, 77 
list of, 77 

Antipyrin, actions, uses, 77 
Antiseptics, list of, 70 
defined, 70 

Apomorphine hydrochloride, 
actions, uses of, 130 
Apomorphinae hydrochloridum, 150 



INDEX. 


2l6 

Aqua, IT4 

hydrogenii dioxidi, 72 
Aquae, 18 
Argenti nitras, 92 
Argyrol, 92 
Aristol, uses of, 139 
Arseni iodidum, 55 
Arsenic, 54 

Arsenic iodide, actions of, 55 
preparations of, 55 
uses of, 55 

salts, list of official, 46 
Arsenous trioxide, 54 

preparations of, 54 
Aspidium, 66 
Astringents, defined, 87 
list of, 87 

Balsams, 16 
Barks, list of, 13 
Barley water, use of, 121 
Bearberry, 15 
Belladonna, actions of, 86 
preparations of, 85 
uses of, 86 
Beta napthol, 138 
Bismuth salts, 89 
actions, 89 
list of official, 45 
uses, 90 
Boric acid, 70 

preparations, actions, uses, 71 
Brandy, 50 
Bromides, 81 

actions, uses, 81 

Broom, preparations, actions, uses 
of, 115 

Buchu, preparations, actions, uses 
of, 115 

Buckthorn, preparations, actions, 
uses of, 104 

Caffeina, 97 

Caffeine preparations, actions, uses 
of, 97 

Calcium salts, list of official, 43 
Calumba, preparations, actions, 
uses of, 145 
Calx chlorinata, 120 


Cambogia, 107 
Camphor, preparations of, 81 
actions, uses, 82 
Camphor, 16 

Cantharides, preparations, actions, 
uses of, 126 
Cantharis, 126 
Capsicum, 143 
Carbolic acid, 49, 59 
actions, 59, 119 
preparations of, 59 
uses, 60, 119 

Cardamom, preparations, actions 
uses of, 145 
Cardamomum, 145 
Cardiac depressants, defined, 93 
list of, 93 

stimulants defined, 95 
list of, 95 
tonics, defined, 96 
list of, 96 

Carminatives, defined, no 
list of, no 
Caroid, 112 

actions, uses of, 113 
Cascara sagrada, preparations, ac¬ 
tions, uses of, 103 
Cassia fistula, 101 
Castor oil, actions, uses of, 101 
Cataplasms, defined, 34 
Cataplasmata, 125 
Cathartics, list of, 100 
defined, 100 

Caustic soda, preparations, actions, 
uses of, 129 
Cayenne pepper, 144 

preparations, actions, uses of, 
144 

Cerates, defined, 33 
Cerium salts, list of official, 44 
Cetaceum, 124 

Chemical compound, defined, 37 
Chemistry, defined, 37 
organic, defined, 47 
Chloral hydrate, 80 

actions, uses, 80 
acute poisoning by, 80 
Chloralamide, actions, uses of, 138 
Chloralformamidum, 138 


INDEX. 


217 


Chloroform, preparations, actions, 
uses, 61 

Chloride of lime, 120 
actions, uses of, 120 
Chlorinated lime, 120 
Chondrus, 122 

Chromic acid, actions, uses of, 127 
Chromii trioxidum, 127 
Chrysarobin, preparations, actions, 
uses of, 142 
Chrysarobinum, 142 
Cimicifuga, actions, uses, 83 
preparations of, 82 
Cinchona, preparations of, 74 
Coca, preparations, actions, 58 
Cocaine hydrochloride, 58 
uses of, 59 

Cocoa butter, actions, uses of, 123 
Codeine and salts of, 83 
Cod-liver oil, 56 

preparations, actions, uses of, 

56 

Cohosh, black, 82 
Colchicum, 56 

action, uses, 57 
preparations, 57 
Cold, 79 
Collodia, 26 
Collodions, defined, 26 
list of official, 26 

Colocynth, preparations, actions, 
uses of, 105 
Colocynthis, 105 

Compound spirit of ether, actions, 
uses, 85 
Confections, 33 
defined, 33 
list of official, 33 
Convallaria, 99 

preparations, actions, uses of, 99 
Copper salts, actions, uses, 90 
list of official, 45 
sulphate, 90 

Corrosive sublimate, 120 
Cotton, purified, 47 

root bark, actions, uses of, 141 
Cranberry, upland, 115 
Cranesbill, 88 
Creolin, actions, uses, 71 


Creolinum, 71 
Creosote, 49, 133 

preparations, actions, uses of . 
133 

Creosotum, 133 
Cubic centimetre, origin of, 8 
Cupri sulphas, 89 
Cystogen, 73 

Dandelion, preparations, actions, 
uses of, 146 
Decocta, 23 
Decoctions, defined, 23 
Demulcents, list of, 121 
Diaphoretics, defined, 117 
list of, 117 

Digestants, defined, in 
list of, in 
Digitalis, 97 

preparations, actions, uses of . 97 
Disinfectants, defined, 119 
list of, 119 

Distillation, fractional, 50 
destructive, 47 
Diuretics, defined, 114 
list of, 114 
Dosage, 35 

Doses, rules for calculating, 36 
Drops and minims, compared, 4 
Drugs, doses of, by classes, 35 

Egg albumin, use of, 121 
Elaterin, 107 

Elaterium, action, uses of, 107 
Element, defined, 37 
list of, 39 
Elixiria, 25 
Elixirs, defined, 25 
list of official, 25 

Elm bark, preparations, actions, 
uses, 121 

Emetics, list of, 130 
defined, 130 

Emmenagogues, defined, 131 
list of, 131 

Emollients, defined, 123 
list of, 123 
Emplastra, 33 
Emulsa, 22 


2l8 


INDEX. 


Emulsions, defined, 22 
list of official, 22 
Epispastics, defined, 126 
list of, 126 

Epitome of official drugs, 161-212 
Epsom salt, 108 
Ergot, poisoning of, 140 

preparations, actions, uses of, 140 
Ergota, 140 

Escharotics, defined, 126 
list of, 126 

Ether, actions, uses, 60 
Ethyl chloride, uses, 60 
Eucalyptus, 134 

preparations, actions, 75 
uses of, 76 

Expectorants, defined, 132 
list of, 132 

Expressed oil of almonds, 123 
actions, uses of, 123 
Extracta, 31 

Extracts and juices, dried, 15 
defined, 31 
strength of, 31 
Extreme cold, 60 

Fats, 16 

Fats, defined, 51 
Fel bovis, 105 

Fermentation, products of, 49 
Ficus, 101 
Fig, 101 
Fixed oils, 16 
Flaxseed, 121 
Flowers, list of, 14 
Fluidextracta, 28 
Fluidextracts, defined, 28 
list of official, 29 
strength of, 29 

Formaldehyde, actions, use of, 119 

Formaldehydum, 119 

Formin, 73 

Fowler’s solution, 55 

Fox glove, 97 

Frangula, 104 

Fruits, list of, 14 

Gambir, preparations, 88 
actions, uses, 89 


Gamboge, actions, uses of, 107 
Gelatin, preparations, actions, uses 
of, 122 

Gelatinum, 122 

Gentian, preparations, actions, uses, 
I 44 

Geranium, preparations, actions, 
uses, 88 
Gin, 50 
Ginger, no 

preparations, actions, uses of, 
no 

Glacial acetic acid, actions, uses of, 
128 

Glauber’s salt, 168 
Glucosides, defined, 52 
Glycerin, origin of, 51 
Glycerinum, 124 

preparations,actions, uses of, 124 
Glyceritae, 23 
Glycerites, defined, 23 
list of official, 23 
Glycerilis nitras, 96 
Gold, 56 

Gold, actions and uses of, 56 
Gold salts, list of official, 45 
Golden seal, preparations, actions, 
uses of, 141 
Gossypii cortex, 141 
Gossypium purificatum, 47 
Gram, origin of, 8 

Grindelia, preparations, actions, uses 

of > I 35 

Gum arabic, preparations, actions, 
uses, 122 
Gum resins, 16 
Gums, 16 
Gun cotton, 48 

Hsematoxylon, preparations, actions, 
uses, 88 
Heat, 85 

measurement of, 152 
methods of use of, 117 
use of, 120 

Hellebore, preparations, actions, uses 

of, 93 

Henbane, preparations, actions, uses 
of, 138 


INDEX. 


2 IQ 


Herbs, list of, 14 
Hexamethyienamine, 73 
Honeys, 21 

Hydrargyri chloridum corrosivum, 
use of, 120 
Hydrargyrum, ;54 
actions of, 54 
compounds of, 54 
preparations of, 54 
uses of, 54 
Hydrastis, 141 
Hydrogen, described, 39 
peroxide, actions, 72 
uses, 73 

Hydrous wool fat, 123 
Hyoscinae hydrobromidum, 137 
Hyoscine hydrobromide, actions, 
uses, 137 
Hyoscyamus, 138 
Hypnotics, defined, 137 
list of, 137 

Hypophosphites, actions, 150 
list of, 150 
uses of, 151 

Ichthyol, actions, uses, 57 
Infusae, 23 

Infusions, defined, 23 
list of official, 23 

Intestinal antiseptics, defined, 138 
list of, 138 
Iodine, 53 

preparations of, 53 
uses of, 53 
Iodum, 53 

Ipecac, preparations, actions, uses 
of, 130 

Ipecacuanhas, 130 

Iron preparations, actions, uses of, 
149 

list of, 148 

Iron, salts, list of official, 45 

Jaborandi, preparations, actions, 
uses of, 117 

Jalap, preparations, actions, uses of, 
107 

Jalapa, 106 


Kino, 87 

actions, 88 
preparations, 87 
uses, 88 

Krameria, actions, 88 
preparations, 87 
uses, 88 

Lanolin, action, uses of, 123 
Lard, preparations, actions, uses of, 
124 

Larkspur, preparations, uses of, 
x 43 

Lead acetate, preparations, actions, 
uses, 90 
Lead oxide, 90 

preparations of, 90 
salts, 90 

list of official, 44 
sugar of, 90 
Leaves, list of, 14 

Leptandra, preparations, actions, 
uses of, 106 
Lily of the valley, 99 
Lime water, 63 

actions, uses, 64 
Linimenta, 23 
Liniments, defined, 23 
list of official, 24 

Linseed, preparations, actions, 121 
Linum, 121 
Log-wood, 88 
Liquor calcis, 63 

cresolis compositus, 71 
hydrargyri nitratis, 118 
Liquores, 19 

Liquors, list of official, 20 
Lithium, actions, uses of, 116 
bromide, 81 
origin of, 42 
salts, list of official, 43 
Lysol, actions, uses, 71 

Maceration, defined, 26 
Magnesii carbonas, 108 
Magnesii sulphas, 108 
Magnesium carbonate, preparations 
of, 108 


220 


INDEX. 


Magnesium oxide, 65, 102 
salts, list of official, 44 
sulphate, 10S 
Male fern, uses, 67 

preparations, actions, 66 
Malt, 49 

extract, 50 

preparations actions, uses of, 113 
Maltum, 112 

Mandrake, preparations, actions, 
uses of, 106 

Manganese salts, list of official, 45 
Mangani dioxidum praecipitatum, 

I 3 I . 

Manna, actions, uses of, 102 
Materia medica defined, 1 
May apple, 106 
Measure, fluid, 4 

Measures, approximate household, 5 
Measuring glass, use of, 5 
Mellita, 21 
Mentha piperita, in 
viridis, in 

Mercuric nitrate, solution of, actions, 
uses of, 128 
Mercury, 54 

bichloride of, actions, use, anti¬ 
dote, 90 

Mercury salts, list of official, 45 
Methyl salicylate, 79 
Metric system, approximate meas¬ 
ures to, 10 

method of reading and writ¬ 

ing, 9 

terms of, 7 

Milligram equivalents, 10 
Miscellaneous preparations, 31 
Mistune, 22 

Mixtures, list of official, 22 
defined, 22 

Morphine and salts of, 83 
Moss, Irish, actions, uses, 122 
Mucilages, 21 
defined, 21 
list of official, 22 

Mustard, preparations, actions, uses 
of, 144 

Myrrh, preparations, actions, uses of, 
13 1 


Myrrha, 131 

Naphthol, actions, 138 
uses of, 139 
Nightshade, 85 

Nitric acid, preparations, actions, 
uses of, 127 

Nitrogen, described, 40 
Nitroglycerin, actions, uses, 96 
Nitrous oxide, actions, 61 
uses, 62 

Nut gall, preparations, actions, uses, 

87 

Nux vomica, preparations, actions, 
uses of, 146 

Oak, white, 87 
Oil of gaultheria, 79 

of juniper, preparations, actions, 
uses of, 115 
Oils, defined, 51 
fixed, 51 

how obtained, 51 
volatile, 51 

Ointments, defined, 33 
Oleata, 24 
Oleates, defined, 24 
list of official, 24 
Oleo-resinae, 31 
defined, 31 
Oleo-resins, 16 

list of official, 31 

Oleum amygdalae expressum, 123 
gaultheriae, 79 
gossypii seminis, 123 
action, uses of, 124 
juniperi, 115 
morrhuae, 56 
olivae, 102 
ricini, 101 
theobromata, 123 
Opium, actions, uses, 84 
acute poisoning by, 84 
preparations of, 83 
Oxalic acid, 48 
Ox-gall, actions, uses of, 105 
Oxygen, described, 39 
Oxytocics, list of, 140 
defined, 140 


INDEX. 


221 


Pancreatin, actions, uses, 112 
Pancreatinum, 112 
Papain, 113 

Paraldehyd, actions, uses of, 138 
Paraldehydum, 138 
Parasiticides, defined, 142 
list of, 142 

Pareira, preparations, actions, uses 
of, 115 

Parts of plants, unclassified, iz 
Pepo, 66 
Peppermint, 111 

preparations, actions, uses of, 
hi 

Pepsin, actions, uses of, 111 
Pepsinum, 111 
Percolation, defined, 26 
Petrolatum, 124 

actions, uses of, 125 
Phenacetin, actions, uses, 78 
Phenylis salicylas, 139 
Phenol, 49, 59, 119 
Phenyl, salicylate, 139 
Pills, defined, 33 

partial list of official, 33 
Pilocarpus, 117 
Pilulae, 33 
Pink root, 66 
Pix liquida, 135 
Plasters, defined, 33 
Plumbi acetas, 90 
oxidi, 90 
Podophyllin, 106 
Podophyllum, 106 
Poisons, list of, 158 
Pomegranate, preparations, actions, 
uses, 67 

Potash, caustic, preparations, actions, 
uses of, 128 
Potassii acetas, 116 
bitartras, 116 
citras, 116 
et sodii tartras, 108 
hydroxidum, 128 
iodidum, 53 
permanganas, 73 
Potassium acetate, 116 
bitartrate, 116 
bromide, 81 


Potassium citrate, 116 
hydroxide, 128 
iodide, 53 

preparations of, 53 
origin of, 41 

permanganate, actions, uses, 73 
salts, list of official, 42 
Poultices, use of, 125 
Powders, 32 
defined, 32 
list of official, 32 

Precipitated manganese dioxide, 
actions, uses of, 131 
Protargol, 92 

Prune, actions, uses of, 102 
Prunum, 102 
Prunus virginiana, 147 
Pumpkin seed, actions, uses, 66 
Purgatives, saline, actions, uses of, 
108 

Purging cassia, actions, uses of, 101 
Pyrogallic acid, actions, uses of, 143 
Pyrogallol, 142 
Pyroxylinum, 48 

Quassia, preparations, actions, uses, 
68 

Quercus, preparations, actions, uses, 

. . 8 ? 

Quinine, actions, 74 
uses, 75 

Resinae, 32 
Resins, 16 

defined, 32 
list of official, 32 
Rhamnus purshiana, 103 
Rhatany, 87 
Rheum, 103 
Rhizomes, list of, 13 
Rhubarb, actions, uses of, 104 
preparations of, 103 
Rhus glabra, preparations, actions, 
uses, 88 

Rochelle salt, preparations of, 108 
Roots, list of, 12 
Rubefacients, defined, 143 
list of, 143 
Rum, 51 


222 


INDEX. 


Sabina, 131 

Saccharine substances, 16 
Salicylic acid, actions, uses of, 78 
preparations of, 78 
Salol, actions, uses of, 139 
Salts, defined, 40 

granular effervescent, defined, 34 
list of official, 34 
Santonin, actions, uses, 65 
Savin, preparations, actions, uses of, 
132 

Scammonium, 107 

Scammony, actions, uses of, 107 

Scilla, 134 

Scoparius, 114 

Seeds, list of, 15 

Senega, preparations, actions, use of, 
134 

Senna, preparations, actions, uses of, 
104 

Serpentaria, 146 

Silver nitrate, preparations, actions, 
uses, 92 
salts, 92 

list of official, 45 
Sinapis alba, 144 
Soaps, hard, 52 
origin of, 51 
soft, 52 

Sodii hydroxidum, 129 
iodidum, 53 
phenolsulphonas, 139 
phosphate, 108 
sulphas, 108 

Sodium bicarbonate, actions, use, 63 
bromide, 81, 
hydroxide, 129 
iodide, 53 
uses of, 54 
origin of, 41 
phosphate, 108 
salts, list of official, 42 
sulphocarbolate, 139 
Solutions, 19, 213 
list of official, 20 
Sparteinae sulphas, 99 
Sparteine sulphate, actions, uses of,99 
Spearmint, preparations, actions, 
uses of, hi 


Specific gravity, 152 
taking of, 154 

Spermaceti, preparations, actions, 
uses of, 124 
Spices, uses of, in 
Spigelia, preparations, actions, uses, 
66 

Spiriti, 25 
Spirits, defined, 25 
official, list of, 25 
Spiritus aetheris compositus, 85 
nitrosi, 117 

Squill, preparations, actions, uses of, 
I 34 

Staphisagria, 143 
Starch, 49 

Stomachics, defined, 144 
list of, 144 

Strontium bromide, 81 

salts, list of official, 44 
Strophanthus, 98 

preparations, actions, uses of, 98 
Strychninae, 98 

Strychnine, actions, uses of, 98 
salts of, 98 
Sugar, 49 

Sulphocarbolates, actions, uses of, 13 9 
Sulphonal, 137 
Sulphonethylmethane, 137 
actions, uses of, 137 
Sulphonmethane, 137 
actions, uses of, 137 
Sulphur, actions, uses of, 101 
forms of, 100 

Sulphuric acid, preparations, actions, 
uses of, 127 

Sulphurous acid, actions, uses, 119 
Sumach, 88 

Suppositories, defined, 34 
Sweet oil, actions, uses of, 102 

spirit of nitre, actions, uses of. 

. IX 7 
Syrupi, 20 

Syrups, 20 

list of official, 21 

Tablets, defined, 32 
Tamarindus, 101 

actions, uses of, 101 


INDEX. 


223 


Tannic acid, preparations, actions, 
uses, 68 

Tar, preparations, actions, uses of, 
*35 

Taraxacum, 146 

Tartar emetic, preparations, actions, 
uses of, 94 
Terebinthinum, 67 
Terpin hydrate, 133 

actions, uses of, 133 
Terpini hydras, 133 
Thermometer, 152 
Thymol, actions, uses of, 139 
Thymolis iodidum, 139 
Tincturae, 26 
Tinctures, defined, 26 
list of official, 27 
strength of, 26 
Tonics, defined, 148 
list of, 148 
Toxicology, 156 

Tragacanth, preparations, actions, 
uses, 112 
Tragacantha, 122 
Trional, 137 
Triturations, defined, 32 
Tubers, list of, 12 
Turpentine, 67 

preparations, actions, 67 
uses, 68 

Ulmus, 121 

Urotropin, actions, uses, 73 
Uva ursi, preparations, actions, uses 
of, 115 

Valerian, preparations, actions, uses, 
82 

Vina, 28 

Vinegars, defined, 31 
list of official, 31 

Virginia snakeroot, preparation, ac¬ 
tions, uses, 146 
Vitriol, blue, 90 
white, 91 

Water, ammonia, 19 
anise, 19 
bitter almond, 18 


Water, chloroform, 18 
cinnamon, 19 
creosote, 18 
distilled, 19 
fennel, 19 

hydrogen dioxide, 19 
orange flower, 19 
peppermint, 19 
rose, 19 
spearmint, 19 
strong ammonia, 19 
strong orange flower, 19 
strong rose, 19 
use of, 114 
witch hazel, 19 
Waters, 18 

fifth class, 19 
first class, 18 
fourth class, 19 
second class, 18 
third class, 19 
Waxes, 16 

Weights and measures, metric, 7 
apothecaries, 3 
. signs of, 3 
Whiskey, 50 

Wild cherry bark, preparations, 
actions, uses, 147 
Wine, 50 

Wines, defined, 28 
list of official, 28 
Woods, list of, 13 

Worm seed, preparations, actions, 
uses, 66 
American, 65 

Zinc chloride, preparations of, 91 
oxide, preparations, actions 
uses of, 91 
salts, 91 

list of official, 44 
sulphate, 91 
sulphocarbolate, 139 
Zinci oxidi, 91 

chloridum, 91 
phenolphonas, 139 
sulphas, 91 
Zingiber, no 


A TEXT-BOOK OF 

ANATOMY for NURSES 

♦ 

By ELIZABETH R. BUNDY, M. D. 

Member of the Medical Staff of the Woman's Hospital of 

Philadelphia, etc. etc. 

“Is really a very—indeed, an unusually attractive pres¬ 
entation of a most difficult subject. In addition to being 
a very admirable treatise on anatomy for nurses, the 
author might well claim that it is also a text-book of 
applied anatomy, so profuse are the surgical, medical, ob¬ 
stetrical and physiological suggestions which accompany 
the anatomical descriptions.”— The Trained Nurse . 

With a Glossary and 191 Handsome Illustrations, 34 of 

which are Colored. 

i2mo; 252 pages. Postage prepaid, Cloth, net $i. 75 * 

The pupil-nurse in a training school has little time at command for 
the study of text-books; therefore conciseness, clearness, and accuracy are 
essential requisites of any work written for her use. In this “Anatomy for 
Nurses ” these requisites are observed, and nurses—pupil or graduate—will 
find in it a satisfactory aid to the acquirement of that knowledge of the 
human body which is necessary to the full understanding of their impor¬ 
tant duties. 

“ This is an excellent text-book of anatomy for nurses. It is well printed, fully 
illustrated, admirably arranged and carefully written. Dr. Bundy was a member 
of the nursing profession, and superintendent of Connecticut Training School for 
Nurses, before entering on medical work, a fact which, taken with the further fact 
that she was professor of anatomy in the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania, 
and clinical teacher in the Woman’s Hospital of Philadelphia, shows how well pre¬ 
pared she was for the task of writing this text-book. The result of her lectures is a 
good and useful book.”— The Canadian Nurse. 

In writing it, she has recognized one very important fact that authors 
of works for nurses have hitherto failed to realize,—the fact that, as a body, 
students in nursing do not receive the preparatory education that is re¬ 
quired of a student in medicine. Consequently, her book is within, not 
beyond, the needs and understanding of those for whom she has prepared 
it. It does not unnecessarily burden the mind of the student by endeavor¬ 
ing to reach into the domains of the physician, nor does it concern itself 
with useless abstract or theoretical matters. On the contrary, it fills a void 
for a work that is simple, terse, didactic,—one that, confining itself strictly 
to its own chosen field, is yet complete in all details of moment therein. 

P. BLAKISTON’S SON 8 CO., Publishers, Philadelphia 








JUL 3 19 H 


One copy del. to Cat. Div. 



3 ft**- 


LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



□OOEblOObfl^ 










































